Social services in the west reviewed

Social services in Swindon are amongst the worst in England, says a new report.

The authority is one of eight in the country to receive no stars from the Department of Health's Social Services Inspectorate (SSI).

It is the second year in a row the council has received the lowest rating, because it is deemed not to be serving children well, although its adults services are better.

North Somerset received one star for the second year in a row: Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) and South Gloucestershire two stars for the second year running, while Gloucestershire, Somerset, Bristol and Wiltshire all jumped from one star to two.

The task we have ahead of us is huge and will take time Jemima Milton Swindon councillor

Keith Skerman, Swindon council's director of social services, said: "It is important for people to understand that the report is based on evidence from last year.

"Since that time the council has appointed a new management team to start bringing the department forward."

Swindon councillor Jemima Milton said: "We recognised that things needed to change much earlier this year and have put in place many things to help make this happen.

July 2003

"However, the task we have ahead of us is huge and will take time."

As well as the star rating, judgements for children and adults services are given by the SSI, including a judgement for current performance and capacity for improvement.

A total of 16 social services departments in England were awarded three stars; 74 two stars; 52 one star and eight got zero stars.

These results are based on an annual performance review in July 2003.