The council has also been told that its 'prospects for improvement' in this area of its work are 'promising'.

Director of Housing and Adult Social Services, Bill Hodson, said: "This is very good news, particularly given that 2006/07 was a year when major changes had to be made to bring expenditure back within budget."

The report highlights a number of strengths, including the effective care management systems and working relationship with the Primary Care Trust. It also applauds the prompt delivery of minor adaptations and low number of users waiting for major adaptations to be provided. Other strengths include the way residents and service users contribute to the planning of services; and the clear information available about the complaints procedures, eligibility criteria and standards of service that customers can expect.

Potential areas for improvement are also listed, including the need to reduce the rate of delayed transfers of care;  make further improvements to direct payments and individualised budgets; continue the process of modernising day services; and ensure that under-represented groups have fair access to services.

The findings of the Commission for Social Care inspection contribute to the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) rating that the government gives to all councils. The council's overall rating will be announced by the Audit Commission in February 2008.