04/12/06 - Minister demands action on underperformance

For the first time since the star ratings were introduced, no council in England has been zero star rated for adults' social services this year, showing that services across the country are improving. However, there are still a number of councils who need to up their game, says Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis.

Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis said:

"It is extremely encouraging that no councils are now zero star rated and shows that real improvements are being made across the board.

"However, I remain concerned about the 21 councils who, since 2002, have not improved the services they deliver to adults. Adults and their carers who use services in their area deserve better, therefore I am asking CSCI to work with these councils to develop improvement action plans by March next year.

"I will be asking CSCI to keep me regularly updated on progress in these authorities".

The annual performance ratings, produced by the Commission for Social Care Inspection, show that of the 150 councils that provide social services, three quarters of councils now have either 2 or 3 stars for their adult social services.


Source : DOH