Rotherham Social Services top ratings

ROTHERHAM'S jubilant social services chiefs were celebrating this week after landing a top rating from inspectors.

In the latest report from the Care Quality Commission, Rotherham Borough Council's adult social care department was upgraded from good to excellent—putting it on a par with neighbouring Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley and in the top bracket nationally.

Cllr John Doyle, Cabinet member for adult social care, said that he was delighted with the report but insisted that the council could not afford to be complacent.

"We are certainly not going to go backwards," he said.

"We are at the top of the league and we intend to stay there."

In seven categories ranging from choice, maintaining dignity and economic well-being, Rotherham was rated by the CQC as doing "well" in three and "excellently" in four.

But the report will be like a red rag to a bull for campaigners and opposition councillors as it comes in a year when the council's in-house meals on wheels and laundry services have been closed, with the transfer of meals on wheels to the private sector causing particular controversy.

While Cllr Doyle admitted that the council had faced "difficult decisions" in recent years, he insisted that the vast majority of people were happy with the changes and the service they were receiving, with a recent survey showing 94 per cent of people were content with the new meals on wheels set-up.

Cllr Doyle added: "This report reassures the people of Rotherham that they are getting value for money and one of the best services in the country."

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