THE North-East and North Yorkshire are leading the way in social care services, with councils rated either "good" or "excellent" in a report published today.

The Performance Ratings for Social Services in England 2005 - commonly referred to as the Star Ratings - are carried out by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI).

The findings show the North-East and North Yorkshire are the highest performing areas in the country, with all of the councils achieving two or three stars.

Today's report also shows improvement in the North-East in a range of areas, from enabling children to decide their own futures, to a greater emphasis on helping older people stay in their own homes, where possible.

Overall, 75 per cent of councils have achieved two or three stars in this year's report. However, one in four councils still languish near the bottom, with one or no stars.

In the North-East, 75 per cent of the councils were awarded two stars and 25 per cent achieved three. It was a similar picture in the Yorkshire and Humber region, with 79 per cent receiving two stars, 14 per cent achieving three stars and one authority, North-East Lincolnshire, receiving only one star.

John Fraser, CSCI regional director for the North-East, said: "This year has seen the councils continue to demonstrate strong management and leadership in the delivery of social care services for the people of the North-East.

"I am pleased to report that all of today's ratings are two stars or above, which means that we judge services to be either good or excellent. That achievement belongs to the councils themselves, and the hard work of councillors, managers and staff in securing good quality social care services for the people of the North-East.

"However, the challenge remains for councils to continue to modernise services and provide even greater choice and personal control.

"The education of children looked after must remain a priority and councils must adapt to meet the needs of the increasingly diverse population they serve.

"People in the North-East have a right to expect continuous improvement in social care and other public services.

"There is no reason why councils in our region cannot continue to build on their achievements."

Linda Christon, CSCI regional director for the Yorkshire and Humber region, said: "Within the region, 93 per cent of councils are classed as good or excellent, which is well above the national picture, and is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of their staff, and the political commitment and priority given to improving social care services."