THE level of adult social care in Swindon has been praised by a national watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Swindon Council’s Adult Social Care department as “well” or “excellent” in six of seven outcomes of its Annual Performance Assessment report.

However the department’s ability to improve people’s quality of life was rated as just “adequate”.

Overall a grading of “well” was given with the department described as giving “a service that consistently delivers above minimum requirements for people, is cost effective and makes contributions to wider outcomes for the community”.

The council was rated as “excellent” for improving health and emotional well-being and “well” for making a positive contribution, increasing choice and control and ensuring it is free from discrimination or harassment.

The economic well-being and ability to maintain personal dignity and respect was also rated as “well”.

The category of improved quality of life was rated as “adequate”. However, the CQC noted the council had achieved a number of successes including significant progress in supporting people to live independently and reducing the number of people living in temporary accommodation.

Caroline Fowles, Group Director for Adult Social Care, said: “We are delighted that the improvements within Adult Social Care have been reflected within the CQC assessment.”