WILTSHIRE County Council made improvements in some services last year and is planning effectively for the future, says the Audit Commission.

The report by the commission a year after its original comprehensive performance assessment gives the county full marks for its use of resources.

The assessment of social care rises from one star to two, environmental services rise from two to three and education remains on three out of a possible four.

But despite the noted improvements, the council's overall rating remains "fair" because the reassessment only looked at service improvement and not at how the council is managed.

The report also notes that fewer schools are subject to special measures, far more drug users are receiving treatment, more waste is being recycled, the condition of the county's main roads has improved and there has been a reduction in road casualties.