Two Stars for Liberal Democrat Council's Social Services

8.03.00am GMT Sat 27th Nov 2004

Milton Keynes Council's social services teams for both adults and children have been awarded two stars by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (formerly the Social Services Inspectorate). The national watchdog says the Council is "serving most people well" and has "promising prospects for improvement".

"We are pleased with this assessment and would like to congratulate all our staff on their efforts," said Councillor Irene Henderson, Liberal Democrat cabinet member responsible for adult social care. "The inspectors have recognised the improvements we have made in the past year and have judged we are on track to improve even further, towards the coveted three-star rating."

Councillor Euan Henderson, cabinet member responsible for children's social services, said: "This two-star rating comes hot on the heels of a very positive report from the inspectorate, setting out the scope and the excellence of the work we do. It is great news and reflects the terrific work being done by our social services teams."

The detailed report of the inspectors on the work of Milton Keynes social services over the previous year was received at the beginning of November. Highlights of the report with respect to children's social services include recognition that:

• The Council is developing a comprehensive strategy in response to Every Child Matters (a high-level national initiative aimed at improving outcomes for all children and their families)

• Relationships with all partners are excellent

• The Council has demonstrated a high level of awareness of the needs of children living in the community and in particular the needs of vulnerable children and children in care

• Service users and carers are routinely involved in developing and commenting on services.

Areas the inspectors identified for improvement include ensuring that all service users have input into service development, and the need to reduce the cost of some services.

On adult social services the report says the Council:

• Has a robust plan, developed with partners, to deliver all adult social care services

• Is working closely with partners in health and housing to increase the number of adults helped to live at home

• Is developing an ExtraCare care housing village, with 250 units suitable for a range of supported living options, to expand further the number of people supported in community settings.

Areas that need attention include improving waiting times for care packages, and involving service users and carers from minority ethnic communities at an earlier stage of service development.