SOCIAL services in Kent are among the best in the country, according to new Government ratings.

Kent County Council has been awarded the top three star rating for its social services department - one of only 11 authorities out of 150 in the country to do so.

The star ratings are based on performance indicators, inspections and external auditors’ reports and were first published in May this year when Kent received two stars.

The new ratings have been issued to take account of more up-to-date information. This has resulted in Kent and two other authorities being up-graded.

The news has delighted social services chiefs. “These ratings show we are serving most people well with excellent prospects for improvement,” said strategic director for social services Peter Gilroy.

An assessment of Kent’s performance states that it has been graded as “acceptable” or better on 92 per cent of all performance indicators compared to 47 per cent in 2000-01.

Cabinet member Cllr Peter Lake (Con) said: “It’s an excellent result although there still remains a great deal more to do. Kent has many unique pressures – including supporting 2,000 unaccompanied asylum seekers - which makes achieving the top standard even more encouraging.”