main content Seeing stars in Social Services

Services for some of the borough’s most vulnerable people continue to improve, according to the Government’s Commission for Social Care Inspection, which has awarded the Council’s Social Services Department a two-star rating in its annual performance assessment.

This is a particularly significant achievement given that only 12 months ago the department moved from zero to one-star status. This is also the third year running that the Council has received no extra money from the Government for Social Services.

Importantly, the rating recognises that there are promising prospects for further improvement.

Executive Councillor for Social Care, Health and Housing Councillor Chris Phillips said: “I would like to pay tribute to our staff in Social Services for their hard work and determination. This is a remarkable achievement.

“We already knew we had made some excellent progress this year but it is gratifying to receive recognition from the inspectors.”

Executive Councillor for Children and Young People Councillor Graham Arthur said: “This is a marvellous effort by our staff, who provide care for some of the most vulnerable people in the borough.

“Let’s not forget that it has been achieved in the face of successive years of under-funding by central Government.”

After assessing social care services for adults, older people and children, and their capacity for improvement, CSCI awards a star rating from zero to three.

Director of Social Services and Housing Terry Rich said: “We have faced a challenging year but our staff have proved they are equal to the task and have rightly been recognised for their hard work.

“While this is a terrific achievement, we all recognise that there is more to do but I am confident that we will make further progress in 2006.

“We are committed to providing excellent social care for the borough, and will continue to develop services to allow people to live as independently as possible. To achieve this we will continue to listen to what the people who receive our services tell us.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

For media enquiries, please contact Richard Simcox, communications officer, on 020 8313 4310, or email richard.simcox@bromley.gov.uk.