What we are doing well
Based on the national published annual Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) performance measures, Lincolnshire performs well in many areas. In particular, people who draw on care and support in Lincolnshire report they enjoy a higher quality of life than compared to our statistical neighbours.
- 91.7% of older people discharged from hospital received reablement support (ASCOF 2D)
- 76% of people receiving long-term support report feeling in control of their daily life (ASCOF 3A)
- more than 3,000 people use Direct Payments to shape their own care
- our reablement services have been highly effective in helping people regain their independence after hospital stays. Lincolnshire is ranked 18th nationally
- 89.2% of individuals supported with long-term care were reviewed in 2023/24, a 5% increase from the previous year
- 99% of adults receive self-directed support. Above the national average of 93.5%
- 91% of people starting reablement did not require further long-term care (ASCOF 2A)
- 91% of carers report feeling included in care discussions (ASCOF 3B), fostering a collaborative approach to care
- 539.8 per 100,000 Adults require long-term care, compared to the national average of 566 per 100,000 (ASCOF 2C)
- 43% of people support by social care receive Direct Payments, this remains higher than the national average
- ranked 26th nationally in supporting people to remain as independent as possible, with 90.7% of people who received a short-term intervention during the year going on to lower or no ongoing support
- 80% of people using our services report having control over their daily life (ASCOF 3A)
- 0.55% Complaints received of all open Adult Social Care cases in 2024/25
Lincolnshire’s adult social care system is built on a culture of continuous improvement, where feedback, reflection and innovation are used to make services better for people. Complaints, compliments, colleagues’ insights, and audits are not treated as isolated events, but rather as opportunities to learn.
Drivers for change
There are many drivers for change in the way adult social care is commissioned, delivered and experienced by people in Lincolnshire:
- an aging population, giving rise to a greater demand for care and support
- Lincolnshire’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) pilot inspection of Adult Social Care functions in June 2023 provided broadly positive feedback, but identified several areas for development. Further feedback is anticipated from the formal inspection undertaken at the end of 2025
- there has historically been high use of residential care and that trend is set to continue, unless addressed with alternative accommodation options
- adoption of alternative and innovative models of care has not progressed as quickly in Lincolnshire as in some parts of the country
- commissioning requires further development to deliver suitable innovative care solutions and capacity within the social care market
- harnessing digital technology is a priority for improving access, efficiency, and independence
- feedback from people who draw on care, from unpaid carers, and from partners highlights the need for clearer information, more timely support, and greater choice and control
- national reforms, such as the creation of the Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Combined County Authority and changes in local government structure, require the council to adapt its strategy and ensure continuity of care through flexible and responsive service models
- requests for support continue to be higher than the national average for both working age adults (18-64 years) and older people (65 and over)
Trends in requests for support
- requests for support for adults aged 18 to 64 have increased steadily since 2020
- requests for support for adults aged 65 and over have risen sharply since 2021
- Lincolnshire’s rate of requests for support remains higher than the national average for both age groups
- growth in demand is driven by population ageing and increased complexity of needs