Lancashire Council Enhances Home Adaptations to Reduce Hospital Delays

Changes to the home adaptations service in Lancashire aim to address delays in hospital discharges. The scheme, operated by the Lancashire County Council, provides minor modifications costing less than £1,000 to enable residents to maintain their independence. This initiative is expected to alleviate pressure on care services by facilitating quicker transitions from hospital stays back to home settings.

The county council has reached an agreement with nine local district councils to manage these adaptations directly. Funding will be transferred from County Hall, which is projected to make the service more efficient and responsive to local needs. A recent cabinet meeting confirmed that this new arrangement would enhance the flexibility of the service, ultimately reducing the time patients spend in hospitals or care facilities.

Budget Increase for Home Modifications

As part of the revamped program, the council has allocated £2.17 million for the 13-month period ending in December 2026. This marks a significant increase compared to the £800,000 spent annually just three years ago. The funding will support essential modifications, such as the installation of handrails and hoists, which are crucial for daily living and nursing care at home.

Despite the positive changes, three district councils have opted not to participate in this initiative. While the identities of these councils have not been disclosed, the county council will retain £450,000 from the overall budget to continue providing services in those areas. The participating district councils will have the option to either commission local contractors for the work or handle it internally.

Local Expertise and Accountability

The cabinet report emphasized that this new approach would “leverage local expertise, infrastructure and relationships.” According to Graham Dalton, the cabinet member for adult social care, the previous county-level system had created “price inconsistencies across the districts,” which led to inefficiencies. The new model is designed to ensure flexibility while maintaining accountability and continuity of care.

Deputy leader of the Progressive Lancashire opposition group, Gina Dowding, expressed support for the initiative, noting that it recognizes the benefits of providing services at the local level. She stated that this shift could lead to more effective and efficient outcomes for residents.

During the cabinet meeting, Stephen Atkinson, the county council leader, articulated the vision behind this delivery model. He referenced the historical context of the two-tier system established during the last local government reform in 1974, where local councils were responsible for delivering services and the county council focused on strategic oversight. As changes to local governance loom, with plans for standalone councils to be established by 2028, Atkinson reiterated the importance of returning to this balanced division of responsibilities.

The adjustments to the home adaptations service in Lancashire reflect a concerted effort to improve healthcare outcomes for residents while addressing pressing challenges in the region’s healthcare system. By enhancing local service delivery, the council aims to promote independence among its citizens and ensure they receive timely support in their homes.