Gloucestershire services under fire

Areas of weakness have been highlighted at
Gloucestershire social services department, according to a report
published last week.

Key areas of concern include the targeting of
resources, long waiting times for a service or assessment,
unallocated case work, a lack of focus on preventive work and poor
management and review of cases, according to the Audit Commission
and Social Services Inspectorate.

“Gloucestershire Council faces a huge
challenge in overhauling its social services,” says the report. It
acknowledges that the new social services management team inherited
serious financial problems.

Director of joint reviews John Bolton said:
“Gloucestershire social services has its problems, but the
authority has taken on board the findings of this review and is
taking urgent action to tackle weaknesses.”