Ref. 25598-39Keith Skerman - the man with the task of turning around the failing fortunes of Swindon's social services department - has issued a robust defence against the findings of the report.

While he accepts that standards need to improve, Mr Skerman says measures have been put in place to tackle many of the criticisms.

After last year's zero star rating, a performance action team of private consultants was sent in to shake-up the department.

Many targets highlighted on a plan drawn up in January had since been met, he said.

He said: "Many of the items on the improvement plan have now been put in place.

"Last year's report said that the chances of improvements were poor, but this year the report found them to be uncertain.

"This is not good enough, I know, but at least it shows things are getting better.

"Many of the measures we have put in place are only just beginning to bear fruit, and these are not reflected in the report.

"I'm not being complacent, but measures are in place to turn the department around."

He also gave some examples of areas where things had improved.

In September, the number of social workers within the children's department was increased by five.

The salaries of staff working with vulnerable children was also increased to help retain and recruit employees. A new monitoring system has also been put in place to highlight where changes are needed.

The care home crisis is also being addressed, said Mr Skerman, who joined the council in July.

He pointed out that the council's ruling cabinet had agreed to pump £600,000 into improving care homes.

He said: "This is a long term problem, and there will be no quick results.

"We are looking at closing two of our six council-run homes, but will be finding extra capacity in the private sector.

"The process will be dovetailed, so if homes are closing, private accommodation will be found."