A Shropshire programme to help vulnerable people live independently was today given a no-stars rating by the local government watchdog – leaving Shirehall leaders and officials angry and baffled.

But the Supporting People initiative, overseen by Shropshire County Council, does have “promising” prospects for improvement, says the Audit Commission, which based its report on a visit in October 2007.

It claims in a report that few new services have been commissioned, value for money and diversity work is underdeveloped and there is no strategy for user involvement. 

Mark Elsworth, Audit Commission senior manager, said: “There are weaknesses in the administration of the programme that have affected partners and service users. 

“The council’s understanding of diversity issues needs to improve and improvement planning is not systematic across all services.”

The findings, based on an inspection visit in October 2007, has stung the authority which is officially recognised as an “excellent” four- star council, and the top performing county council in England.

Supporting People was launched by the Government in 2003 in order to enable local authorities to plan, commission and provide housing-related support services.

Shropshire County Council has disputed the findings, claiming that it did not seem to reflect the feelings of service users and providers, or the hard work of all staff.

Barbara Craig, county council cabinet member for community services, said she disagreed with the commission’s findings.

She said: “I genuinely believe that the judgement made by the Audit Commission is not a true reflection of the programme. 

“I am very proud of the fact that we have a proven track record of delivering high quality, value for money services and this service is no exception. 

“Of course there are areas where we can improve, and we are confident that we will continue to do so in the future.”

Peter Corston, chairman of the council’s community services scrutiny panel, also felt dismay about the commission’s ruling on the scheme.

He said: “It is disappointing that the Supporting People inspection report does not reflect the work that goes on with elected county council members.”

By Dave Morris