Social services ranked in the country's top 20 (From Warrington Guardian)

Social services ranked in the country's top 20

WARRINGTON'S social services are in the top 20 in the country, according to national figures.

The ratings, based on visits and independent judgement of performance across all areas, give Warrington two stars and place the team 19th overall.

Clr Colin Froggatt, executive member for social services and health promotion, said: "We are pleased that this independent review has backed up what we know - that our Social Services department is carrying out some tremendous work and we are performing as well as any other authority in the country.

"Tribute should be paid to all those people working for the department for the commitment and dedication they show to ensure we carry on improving in all areas of our work."

Warrington was ranked joint first of all 150 UK local authorities for children's services.

Of the 18 performance indicators for children's services in particular, Warrington was in the highest or second band for 17 areas.

The department was ranked on its performance in areas including care and support for families in difficulty, the protection of children at risk from harm, helping older people to live as independently as possible and support for people with disabilities.

The new ratings come just one month after a report was published claiming the children's services team are working at full capacity and could become too stretched.

The report, presented to the council's executive committee, revealed Warrington Council has a recruitment problem and jobs advertised in the local area had a very low response.