Vulnerable 'need more protection'

Cornwall County Council must do more to protect people with learning disabilities, a report has found. The Commission for Social Care Inspection's findings (CSCI) come after the murder of Steven Hoskin, who had learning disabilities, in 2006.

CSCI said while Cornwall County Council had made some improvements, there remained a number of areas of concern. The council said it was committed to improving services for those with learning disabilities. A team of CSCI inspectors spent two weeks in Cornwall in December 2007.

They found systems for identifying, responding to and monitoring the risks faced by adults with learning disabilities were unclear. The need for better planning for the long-term future of those with learning disabilities was also highlighted in the report.

It said more preventative services to address the needs of people no longer eligible for social care services were needed. The report concluded Cornwall's overall performance was adequate, but said its capacity to improve was uncertain.

Imelda Richardson, the CSCI's regional director, said while the council had ambitions to improve, it needed to set realistic goals. An action plan has been drawn up and is expected to be approved by councillors.

"I am particularly pleased that the inspectors noted the work which has been done," said Nigel Walker, Cornwall County Council's executive member for adults. However we appreciate that there is still much more to do and look forward to working with our partners to ensure that we meet our aspirations to deliver good quality person centred services."

The report comes after an investigation into the murder of Steven Hoskin revealed more than 30 missed opportunities to help him before he died. Mr Hoskin, who had severe learning difficulties, was tortured and then taken to a viaduct and forced to hang from railings. Three people were jailed in December 2007 for the murder of Mr Hoskin, 38, of St Austell, in 2006.