23/10/2026
"Unequal access to support for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people is often accepted as routine... [it] should deeply concern us all."
That's according to our chief executive, Rachael Dodgson, responding to the Care Quality Commission's latest 197-page annual report ‘The state of health care and adult social care in England.’
Here's the full statement from Rachael:
“CQC’s finding that unequal access to support for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people is often accepted as routine should deeply concern us all. Behind those delays are people waiting for the support they need to live independently and play a full part in their local community.
“CQC's findings also highlight the urgent need for a more strategic approach to shaping the adult social care market. It is important that people's wellbeing comes before financial returns. Sustainable, high-quality support depends on commissioners and providers working together to balance financial realities with the needs, choices, and aspirations of people who draw on care and support.
“We welcome CQC's recognition that commissioning is one of the most powerful ways to improve quality, fairness, and sustainability. Too often, short-term funding decisions and repeated re-tendering undermine the stability and consistency of support, disrupting relationships that are fundamental to people's wellbeing and independence.
“CQC is right to highlight the importance of strong leadership in delivering safe, person-centred support. We know that maintaining high standards requires continuous investment in our managers and colleagues, supported by commissioning arrangements that reflect the true cost of delivering quality care.
"At Dimensions, the vast majority of our CQC inspections have resulted in a ‘Good’ overall, reflecting our commitment to quality and effective leadership.
“We are also encouraged that around 80% of people aged 14 and over on GP learning disability registers received an annual health check in the year to March 2026. However, uptake varies significantly across the country, ranging from 70% to 86% between integrated care board areas.
"Far too many people with learning disabilities also remain absent from GP registers altogether. Access to annual health checks should be consistent, regardless of where someone lives or which GP they attend. Crucially, every health check should result in a completed, accessible health action plan, with appropriate follow-up.
“CQC's central challenge to the sector is to move beyond good intentions and individual examples of good practice towards consistently well-led services that can demonstrate sustainable, personalised outcomes.
Ultimately, regulatory accountability from CQC is a key part of how adult social care makes lives better for people who draw on care and support.”
