News

Too many people are being turned away from social services at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead because of staff shortages, a damning joint review has revealed, writes Sally Gillen.

The report into the council’s social services finds that it is not serving people well, and prospects for improvement are uncertain.

It says there are weaknesses in access arrangements for vulnerable children and adults, too many people have been excluded from an assessment of their needs and assessments are often superficial.

But in a statement, the council said the "overall assessment is disappointing, even harsh", adding that in the area of child protection the "judgement has been influenced by national concerns triggered by high profile cases, particularly in London boroughs".

Other problems highlighted in the report are that the department has trouble identifying and addressing risks in vulnerable children and adults, and that there are unacceptable delays in carrying out assessments for those in the top two priority bands.

But it also praises the department’s managers for delivering a "demanding programme of structural change within tight timescales" and successfully implementing a budget strategy.

John Bolton, director of joint reviews at the Audit Commission, said: "Windsor and Maidenhead needs to make sure it responds positively and promptly to vulnerable people when they first ask for help.

"The council has established some good services, but has neglected to ensure that the right people receive the services at the right time," he added.