A NEW independent report into social services for adults in Liverpool has praised massive progress over the last year.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has graded Liverpool as a two star authority - out of a maximum possible of three - and concluded it is serving most people well. It also says Liverpool has "promising" prospects of further improvement. 

The rating is a huge improvement compared to 12 months ago, when the city council was graded one star.

The report adds that "significant progress" has been made implementing recommendations made in previous social care related inspections, including the Supporting People programme. 

Lib Dem Councillor Dave Antrobus, executive member for supported living, said: "This is the best report that we have ever received about social services. It demonstrates the significant progress that we have made in raising standards.

"Staff have embraced the changes that we have had to make, and their hard work and co-operation is making a massive difference to improving the quality of care that we provide to vulnerable people."

The report says there are "strong foundations for continuing improvements" and notes the increasing engagement with the private and voluntary sector to improve the quality of care services that the council arranges.

The inspectors have concluded that there is a "clear vision" for the service and it benefits from "strong leadership and good political and corporate support".

• More than 250 people now using direct payments which gives them choice and control by enabling them to purchase their own care packages

• More people than ever receiving five hours or more home care per week, up from 1515 to 1875 and above that of similar local authorities
• The number of new assessments completed within two weeks rose by 40 percent. And around 88 percent of assessments start within 48 hours of contacting social services
• An increase in the number of breaks provided for carers, up from almost 18000 to 27800 - well above that of similar councils
• An increase in the use of the Telecare system, which uses computer technology to keep older people safe in their homes rather than going into residential care. Almost 1200 people are now benefiting across the city
• Improvements in the provision of equipment and minor adaptations, with 94 percent of items delivered within seven days