County council letting down elderly

East Sussex was awarded no stars in new performance ratings released yesterday (Thursday).

Now the Department of Health has given local bosses six months to shake things up or they'll be sending in a government-appointed team of trouble-shooters.

East Sussex was slammed for failing to meet the needs of older people in particular, not giving them enough support in their homes.

East Sussex was one of only 10 local authorities in England to get a zero rating out of a possible three stars.

Keith Glazier, lead cabinet member for social services blamed the poor performance on problems the conservative-run council had inherited from previous Lib Dem/Labour administrations.

"We are not surprised to hear we have some real problems in our adult services but we have strengths in other areas," said Cllr Glazier.

He added: "We inherited considerable problems last year but set out immediately to introduce new policies to tackle these.

"Getting on top of these problems, which were not sufficiently recognised in the past is now a top priority."

He said that a rescue plan is now well underway to turn the situation around ahead of the November deadline.