A NATIONAL watchdog has praised North Yorkshire County Council for the standard of its adult social care department, awarding it the highest possible rating in a recent inspection.

The department was awarded the top rating of "excellent" by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

According to the commission’s report, the council has "continued to deliver excellent outcomes for the people of North Yorkshire.

The CQC findings will be noted at a meeting of the council’s executive committee, which meets at County Hall, in Northallerton, on Tuesday.

The commission particularly highlighted ‘excellence’ in the council’s role in improving people’s health and well-being, their quality of life and the contribution that they make to their local communities.

Councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for adult and community services said: "The council is delighted to have gained, for the second year running, the top ‘excellent’ rating for its performance in adults social care.

"We are particularly pleased with these results, because a much harder test has been applied by the Commission.

"This is a fantastic result.

"It reflects very positively on the commitment and hard work of our staff within the council and also our key partners in health and the independent and voluntary sectors."

Derek Law, corporate director for the county council’s adult and community services directorate, said: "This is an incredible achievement against a challenging background of the difficult economic climate, increasing demand for services and an ageing population.

"We are confident that people who receive our services do feel better in themselves, feel more secure and value help with everyday tasks to make their lives easier.

"We are very pleased that the good work that the council has done within its local communities has been recognised in this way by the Care Quality Commission."

At Tuesday’s meeting, members of the executive committee will be asked to note the efforts of staff and managers in the council’s adult social care department in achieving the ‘excellent’ rating.

Social care is aimed at helping vulnerable people, for example those with physical or psychological problems, who often require practical help to go about their business.