§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health on what basis social services departments will be graded with star ratings in accordance with his speech to the recent local government conference at Harrogate. [14940]
§ Jacqui SmithThe star rating that each social services department receives will be soundly based upon professional judgment encompassing all the available performance evidence—from inspections, in-year monitoring and the performance indicators. The new system will allow people to tell at a glance how their local council is performing and provide national accountability by highlighting how their performance changes over time.
The detailed process for awarding star ratings is still being decided, in consultation with the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Social Services.