The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Ealing Council as Requires Improvement in its first nationwide assessment of local authorities’ delivery of adult social care.
What the rating means for residents
Ealing received an overall score of 56%, nine percentage points below the 65% threshold the CQC uses to award a Good rating. The national report draws together inspections carried out between December 2023 and June 2026 and aims to set a clearer picture of how councils perform in providing care for adults with health and social care needs.
The CQC highlighted areas commonly associated with lower ratings across the country: delays in assessments, inconsistent safeguarding arrangements, and variable support for unpaid carers. These are the practical issues that affect how quickly people get help, the safety of vulnerable adults, and the support available to families and carers in the borough.
How Ealing compares locally
Neighbouring boroughs received stronger assessments: Hillingdon scored 73% (Good), Hounslow 70% (Good). Other nearby councils include Brent on 62%, Harrow on 59% and Hammersmith & Fulham on 53% — all rated Requires Improvement.
| Council | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ealing | 56% | Requires Improvement |
| Hillingdon | 73% | Good |
| Hounslow | 70% | Good |
Comments from the regulator and local politicians
“We found overall that local authorities are rising to meet some very real and very complex challenges, and there is much to celebrate in the commitment and skill we’ve seen from staff and leaders across the country. However, we found too much variation in the delivery of the key foundations of adult social care provision, highlighting a gap in national standards about what people, providers and partners can expect.”
— Chris Badger, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, CQC
Locally, the assessment has already prompted political reaction. Speaking to local media, the leader of the Ealing Liberal Democrats said the report shines a light on an area of council provision that needs improvement. The council itself, currently run by Labour, will now be expected to set out how it will address the CQC’s findings and raise performance.
What residents and carers should watch for next
For residents who rely on adult social care, the rating is significant because it influences how services are prioritised and inspected going forward. Key practical outcomes to monitor include:
- Whether the council publishes an action plan in response to the CQC report and the timetable for changes
- Improvements in the speed and consistency of care assessments
- Strengthening safeguarding processes and clearer support for unpaid carers
The national overview shows 60% of councils were rated Good, 35% Requires Improvement, 3% Outstanding and 2% Inadequate. That means while many councils are delivering solid services, a sizeable minority — including Ealing — must take targeted action to close gaps identified by the regulator.
Local people directly affected by adult social care — service users, family carers and community groups — may wish to contact their ward councillors and the council’s adult social care department for details of improvement plans and timelines. The CQC report sets out a benchmark; delivering better, more consistent care will depend on how the council responds in the weeks and months ahead.
