LANCASHIRE'S adult social care has been transformed from a failure into one of the best in the country, a government inspector has said.
The government's Commission for Social Care Inspection has awarded the county council the maximum three stars for the second year running.
The county council was ranked as one of the best performing authorities in the country for delivering social care services and support for adults with disabilities, carers and older people.
But back in 2000 it was put in emergency 'special measures' after getting just one star.
Alan Jefferson, the commission's director for the North West region, said: "When you think it was in special measures a few years ago it really has made tremendous strides."
Among the areas singled out for praise were accessibility of services for people from ethnic minorities, and the provision of 'intensive' care for elderly people so they did not need to go into a home.
County Councillor Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for adult and community services at Lancashire County Council, said the rating was an "excellent achievement".
He added: "We continue to invest over £381m per year on adult social care, providing services to over 30,000 adults across the county.
"Like all local authorities, there is increasing demand on services year on year particularly given that people are living longer - this inevitably puts a strain on resources.
"I'm encouraged to see that the regulator has recognised that we provide good value for money."
Richard Jones, executive director of adult and community services, said the county council now enjoyed a national reputation for its service.
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