Annual report 2007-2008
This report brings together for the first time in one report our findings from looking at social care, early years and social services in Wales.
Social care is a major but understated part of life in Wales. 150,000 people a year use social care services. £1.2bn a year is spent on these services that employ about 70,000 people, are critical to the well being of many people and are central to a successful Wales.
The Chief Inspector is pleased to report that social services and social care in Wales are continuing to improve. Many people report high levels of satisfaction with the service they use, they report that services have helped them to regain and maintain independence. They report that they are listened to. Staff and the services they deliver have received public recognition for their quality.
Expectations, demography and the growing range of ways in which it is possible to support people in their own home and community will drive significant changes in social care and social services and will make social care yet more central to the lives of the people of Wales.
However, there remains unacceptable variations in performance that need to be addressed. The challenge therefore remains one of continuous improvement.
