ADULT social care services in South Gloucestershire have improved and are likely to get even better in future, according to government inspectors.

South Gloucestershire Council's community care and housing department has been awarded two stars for adult social care following an assessment by the Commission for Social Care and Inspection (CSCI).

It means services are rated "good", with promising capacity for improvement.

This is first time the council has progressed from one to two stars for its adult services since the CSCI system started. The maximum score is three stars.

The rating is based on a range of evidence, including CSCI meetings with service users, representative organisations and partner organisations and inspections of social care services.

Key achievements noted by the inspectors include: * increased partnership working * an increasing range of housing options being developed * an increased focus on making carers a priority * new-style day services for people with learning disabilities * leadership that is responsive to the needs of users and carers The council was also praised for its use of resources and the way it commissions services.

Cllr Matthew Riddle, executive member for community care and housing, said: "Improving social care is a priority for the council and we are delighted to have achieved this rating.

"We are fortunate to have many dedicated staff who provide support to some very vulnerable people in very difficult circumstances. We also have partners who are equally committed to improving quality of life for our service users and their carers.

"The district has an ageing population and an increasing number of people with learning difficulties so it's vital that we use our limited resources wisely.

"We are pleased that the assessment of our performance recognises how well we do this."