Social Services star ratings rise for London boroughs

Press release 30/04

A third of London boroughs have improved their overall performance ratings for social services since last year according to the latest report by the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

Eleven out of the 33 local authorities in London have increased their star rating, including Tower Hamlets which has moved up from two to three stars to become one of 20 councils in England with the top rating.

Waltham Forest and Bromley have both been promoted from zero to a one star rating over the course of this year also reflecting the faster than average improvement rate in London.

Since the ratings were introduced in 2002, nearly half of all boroughs (15) have improved their performance rating for services provided to adults or children.

Councils are given star ratings - from zero to three stars - for the quality of their services to children and adults based on a series of performance indicators, including how they help promote older people's independence and how they ensure services are delivered quickly. 

London boroughs have been working hard to improve their child protection services following the introduction of London-wide procedures by the London Child Protection Committee based at the ALG. This has led to closer working between local authorities and police and health services to improve measures to protect children.
 
Improvements to adult services have been helped by London boroughs' efforts to reduce delayed discharge from hospital and increasing efficiency on assessments and services for patients. Councils have also worked to improve access to intermediate care for older people - care provided at home or in appropriate care settings to avoid unnecessary admission to hospital or residential homes.

Cllr Stephen Burke, Chair of the Association of London Government's Health and Social Care panel, said:

"This welcome improvement in social services performance ratings is a real achievement for London boroughs. It shows how they are striving to provide quality care provision for vulnerable children and adults.

"We will now be looking to work with the Government to implement new measures outlined in the Children Act and will also be seeking further improvements to services for adults."

Ends.

Editor's Notes:

Boroughs who increased their star ratings this year were: City of London, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Brent, Enfield, Hounslow, Merton, Richmond, Bromley, Waltham Forest, and Islington.

Star ratings for assessing social services were first introduced by the Commission for Social Care Inspection in 2002.

The Association of London Government is committed to fighting for more resources for London and getting the best possible deal for London's 33 councils. Part think-tank, part lobbying organisation and part service provider, the ALG formulates policies, organises campaigns and runs a range of services all designed to make life better for Londoners

Any member of the media wanting more information should contact Suzanne Stevenson on 0207 934 9757 or by email on suzanne.stevenson@londoncouncils.gov.uk