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East Sussex social services department is not serving people well, a joint review has reported, writes Clare Jerrom.

Many older people and some vulnerable adults have poor access to social services with long waits for assessments and for service delivery, the report says. There is insufficient support in the community and many of the services offered are traditional and expensive, it adds.

The authority’s failure to manage its resources in a strategic and planned way has meant many adult service users now experience delayed discharge from hospitals, poor customer care, and some other poor quality services.

However, children’s services are improving. The authority has addressed weaknesses by strengthening the management of social work services, prioritising services for looked after children, and introducing a new assessment framework for children in need.

Director of joint reviews John Bolton said: "The service offered to older people in East Sussex is falling short of an unacceptable standard. In particular, older people are waiting too long for a service, both in hospital and the community."

"Community care services need urgent development and improvement. We are very pleased that the county has recognised this group as its priority, and that steps are being taken to put the situation right," he added.

Keith Glazier, the council's lead cabinet member for social services, said the authority accepted the recommendations: "The report's findings underline many of the concerns we already had.

"Working with the new senior management team in social services, we are starting to turn around the unacceptable situation we inherited. Care for our elderly in this county is a top priority," he added.