Lib Dem Council Scores Top Marks for Independence, Well-Being and Choice

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 6th Apr 2009

The Liberal Democrat administration at County Hall has scored top marks from the Care Quality Commission for their services which offer 'Independence, Well-Being and Choice'.

The inspection covered four categories with scores ranging from 'excellent' to 'poor'. Somerset County Council received 'good' for Safeguarding Adults, 'good' for Delivering Personalised Services, 'excellent' for Delivering Preventative Services and 'excellent' for Capacity to Improve.

The inspectors, who reported back today, highlighted the fact that in spite of the increasing numbers of older people in the county, its rural spread and even its pockets of deprivation, there was clear evidence that access to the same high quality services is provided for all. There was also praise for multi-agency working, training and political leadership and for the significant investment in services, despite cuts in funding.

One of the Liberal Democrats' promises to provide assistance for people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, was acknowledged as 'really positive' with 'high satisfaction' levels from the service users.

Justin Robinson, Portfolio Holder for Health & Well-Being, applauded the work of the department and added:

"Although these results are very good, we are not complacent and are already building the recommendations into our 'improvement plan'. We also asked where we could learn from other authorities, although they may well be learning from us, as this puts Somerset top in the country!"

ENDS.