SOCIAL SERVICES IMPROVES ON GOOD PERFORMANCE

Hampshire County Council continues with its placing in the top half of social services departments across the country, again receiving a two star rating in the government's just released refreshed performance ratings.

Under the annual star rating system, first introduced in May, every social services department has been given a star rating between zero and three stars, where three is best. This rating will feed into the government's inaugural Comprehensive Performance Assessment which rates the overall performance of all councils, and which is due out in December. The star rating is based on a range of performance information for both children's and adults services, including inspections, joint reviews, performance indicators and the department's annual review meeting.

In addition, the department has shown an overall improvement in the Government's key performance indicators, shown by revised ratings also published today.

Under these ratings, a maximum five points for a `very good service' was scored by Hampshire Social Services in seven areas (compared with six last year) for:


A `good service', rating four points was also received for thirteen further indicators with particular strengths in the care of looked after children, and in the quality of services provided to users and carers.

In addition, support in helping older people to live at home has shown a significant improvement in the indicators, increasing during the previous year from one to three stars. Hampshire is now among the higher performing Shire counties.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Social Care, Councillor Felicity Hindson, said: "I am very pleased to see the continued hard work and commitment of Hampshire Social Services staff recognised by this well deserved two star rating. These new performance ratings show that the department continues to strive successfully to improve the social care services it offers, while highlighting the areas where further improvements are wished and planned for.

"In particular I am pleased to see the improvements we have made in helping older people and adults with physical disabilities to maintain their independence in living at home, as well as the continuing good work we do with children.

"My concern however is that our plans for social care service improvements will be jeopardised if the government does not provide more realistic funding to take into account the rising numbers of service users and carers and their needs and expectations. These pressures are expected to be compounded further if the Government proceeds with its ludicrous plans to fine local authorities for delayed hospital discharges, and goes ahead with proposals for the redistribution of grant which could lose Hampshire £80 million."

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Tracy Buckland (01962) 847363
14 November 2002
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