COUNTY Durham's social services will undergo a major performance review later this month.

The Audit Commission and the Social Services Inspectorate will begin a two-month evaluation as part of a national programme of social services department assessments.

Durham County Council hopes the review will give independent confirmation that it is providing efficient and effective social care, as well suggesting future improvements.

The inspection team will interview service users, carers, key partners, frontline staff, senior managers, internal and independent service provid-ers, councillors and trade union representatives.

The review team will concentrate on two areas, Easington and The Dales, as the focus for its field work.

Social services director Peter Kemp said: "This joint review provides an opportunity, alongside other more regular inspections and audits, to gain feedback on our performance against national standards and benchmarks based upon similar authorities.

"I am confident it will confirm that we are providing good quality social care for the people of County Durham, and that we are moving in the right direction."