SOCIAL services in Swindon has to reverse a £800,000 overspend in the next two years.

The council will have to agree a stringent, uncompromising financial recovery plan if social services is to escape from its zero-rating, the cabinet was told last night.

The cabinet approved the objectives and asked the director of social services, Keith Skerman, to consult and liaise with the Government inspectorate over the development plan and to report back by March 17.

Mr Skerman reported: "This outline report sets out the key elements of a three-year improvement plan for Swindon Social Services.

"The programme will provide the key priorities and milestones for social services for three years. It will be reviewed and revised in the light of business plan from each division by March and at least six-monthly thereafter.

"Progress on this report will be reported to the leader and lead members on a monthly basis," he added.

The plan will focus on:

Management structure

Information Technology

Human resources

Performance management

Finance and procurement

Mr Skerman promised that all plans for improving the services to children would be developed through listening to young people and their families.

He admitted: "Residential care for older people requires significant improvements to premises and staffing levels."