ADULT social care in the town is improving steadily and parts have been rated as excellent by a health care watchdog.

The Annual Performance Assessment report outlines the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) evaluation of the council’s Adult Social Care provision for the year 2009-10.

The CQC measured and graded Swindon Council’s Adult Social Care performance as ‘well’ or ‘excellent’ in all seven of its national delivery outcomes, an improvement on the previous 12 months.

Swindon Council’s Adult Social Care department has been given an overall grading of ‘well’ and described as “a service that consistently delivers above minimum requirements for people, is cost effective and makes contributions to wider outcomes for the community”.

The council retained its ‘excellent’ rating for improving health and emotional well-being and was awarded a ‘well’ rating for making a positive contribution, increasing choice and control and ensuring it is free from discrimination or harassment.

Councillor Peter Mallinson, Swindon Council’s cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “I am very pleased that the hard work of our staff and partners has been recognised by the Care Quality Commission.

“The results of this assessment illustrate what a fine job our Adult Social Care team do in Swindon and we have shown we continue to improve our services and outcomes for vulnerable people in the borough.”

The economic well-being and ability to maintain personal dignity and respect was again also rated as ‘well’.

The CQC recognised the continuous improvement the council made in the category of improved quality of life by moving it up a rating to ‘well’.

This is following the consistent progress and improvements the council has made in supporting more people to live independently and reducing the number of people living in temporary accommodation.

Heather Mitchell, chief executive of Swindon Primary Care Trust and director of adult social services at Swindon Council, said: “We are delighted that the improvements within Adult Social Care have been reflected within the Care Quality Commission’s assessment of performance.

“We have made significant achievements in year which is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff. We are committed to working with our partners and local people to deliver high quality, innovative and value for money care and support services.”

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of all health and adult social care in England.