A second critical report into Powys council’s social services has been issued by official inspectors.
The Care Inspectorate for Wales (CIW) has identified failings in Powys County Council’s adult social services.
The inspection, which took place in January, followed a damning inspection of children’s services last year and complaints from members of the public and politicians.
Among issues highlighted in adult services are delays and inconsistencies in care and a backlog of safeguarding work.
Management and organisation of workloads have been criticised and the Powys People Direct service, the single point of access to services, criticised as "under-resourced" and inspectors concerned at the number of callers who simply hanging up when calling the service out of frustration when calls went unanswered.
Chief inspector Gillian Baranski said: "Although our inspection has identified significant areas for improvement, the local authority has taken positive steps to improve and stabilise the service, including the appointment of a permanent director of social services."
Both inspection reports highlighted concerns at the management and organisation of the services.
Council Leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harris said: "We recognise that there are improvements to be made and we are confident the work is well under way. We have just put in place an Improvement and Assurance Board, with increased support from Welsh Government and the Welsh Local Government Association. This will perform an independent role, monitoring our progress in delivering reform and also providing new ideas about how to sustain the positive changes being made."
The council said it has already drawn up an improvement plan including an increased investment of £6.5 million over the next year in adult services which will increase the numbers of frontline care staff and provide Powys People Direct with more resources.
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