Rutland County Council has today (Weds) been named the highest performing council in the country for adult social care.

The data for 149 English councils was compiled by the IMPOWER INDEX and shows that Rutland is achieving greater than average outcomes in adult social care, from a less than average spend per head.

This means service users in Rutland are getting better outcomes at the same time as the council is making best use of public funds.

Coun Alan Waters, Rutland County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, comments: "We are delighted at being named top for Adult Social Care in England.

"The data shows that we are, by far, outperforming other councils for high outcomes and low spend, and as such may be regarded as a sector leader.

"Our Adult Social Care Services provide a host of support for adults in the county, including providing life-long support for someone with a physical or learning disability to live independently, supporting someone who has been in hospital to return to their home, through to helping people how are living with dementia, and their families."

Adult social care is an important service area for the council as the population continues to age.

This year it has budgeted £12.75m to supporting the county's adult population.

"Our dedicated team focus on the needs of each individual to ensure they have the very best outcomes, and this shows in the performance rating and the efficient use of budgets in realising these.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our teams across the council for their hard work and dedication which has enabled us to gain such a position," added Coun Waters.

Alicia Kearns MP for Rutland and Melton comments: "I am delighted that the tireless work and dedication of Rutland County Council has been recognised.

"This rating is especially impressive because the rurality of our county is not taken into consideration in central government funding, a cause I remain dedicated to championing."