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Greenwich social services has been praised for "some very good and empowering new services for people with learning difficulties", by the Social Services Inspectorate and Audit Commission, writes Clare Jerrom.

The joint review highlighted good support for older people at home and good use of direct payments for vulnerable adults and some older people. Children’s services, especially arrangements for assessing needs, are developing well, although their have been some difficulties caused by staff shortages in critical areas.

However, social services spending over the last three years has not been kept within budget. "Reserves are now at the minimum prudent level and social services must now manage within its budget," the report says.

A more effective strategy is needed to get more young people in care educated, and improvements need to be made in some areas of adult services. There is poor access to assessment and care management for older people.

But Greenwich has promising prospects for improvements and should now focus on customer care, improve all services to the level of the best, fund new IT systems for social services and bring budgets and spending closer together.

Meanwhile the SSI and Audit Commission found prospects for further improvement at Merton social services uncertain. Merton has not moved with the changing social care environment, a joint review found.

However there were plans to tackle weaknesses in social services, and the authority revealed a strong commitment and willingness to work in partnership at all levels, particularly in health.

Merton should continue to focus on children’s services in line with SSI recommendations, develop user and carer participation and empowerment to develop more responsive services, the report says.