• I WRITE to correct the inaccurate claims made in the letter (Adult social care concerns, October 7) and reaffirm Camden Council’s commitment to all forms of ASC, adult social care.

The figures referenced are from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) annual review letter from July this year and relate to all the council’s services and not just ASC.

ASC complaints made up 12 out of the 78 cases listed.

First, no one at Camden, least of all me, is happy when we receive any complaints for any of the services we provide; but equally we need to understand those complaints in the context of the level of service we provide and the number of people we help.

For example, 74 per cent of complaints to the LGSCO did not reach the formal investigation stage as council officers work with the LGSCO from an early stage to ensure that only valid, complex, cases go to formal investigation.

Although Camden’s upheld complaints figures are comparative with similar councils, we are determined to learn from these experiences and this early work with the LGSCO is extremely valuable in assisting with this.

Moving forward, our Supporting People, Connecting Communities plan will continue to guide our work to help people to live and age well in Camden and lead full and active lives.

Covid-19 has provided challenges, most clearly highlighting the differences within our communities which can lead to health inequality. We know we must address the underlying structural inequities that exist.

We want to build a wider social care workforce, with clearer routes into the care sector for Camden residents, and ensure we consistently review how we can best use our resources to make a difference to residents’ lives.

CLLR PAT CALLAGHAN
Cabinet Member for a Healthy & Caring Camden