THE ISLE of Wight Council's social services and housing department remains among the top six in the south-east after retaining its two star rating in a review of performances carried-out by a government watchdog.

The government has published its review of the performance rating of all 154 social service departments in England. The review takes account of the latest performance indicators and inspection findings that have become available, and brings up to date the ratings, which were first published in May 2002.

The star rating review awarded no stars to 12 local authorities where social services are judged to be performing badly with 11 councils receiving the coveted three-star rating.

The Isle of Wight was one of 52 councils awarded two stars.

The government, in making its assessment of the Isle of Wight, has taken into account a range of performance measures including Best Value Reviews, safety of children, cost of care, hospital discharges and a recent inspection of older people's services.

Councillor Roger Mazillius, the council's portfolio holder for social services and housing, said: "I am extremely pleased that the directorate has retained its two-star rating. This reflects the improvements which have been made in delivering social services on the Island over the past two years and our aspiration to build on that progress. It is gratifying that we remain one of the six top performing authorities in the south-east."

Jimmy Doyle, acting strategic director of social services and housing, said: "It is a tribute to all the staff and managers in the directorate who have worked so hard to achieve this, often in the face of difficult circumstances. It also reflects the support and encouragement from councillors in continuing to provide the resources necessary to provide effective services."