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Social services departments are still falling short of targets to complete timely assessments of older clients, according to the Department of Health.

Statistics show that in 2003-4 just 49 per cent of people over 65 had their assessments completed within two weeks, compared with a target of 70 per cent. Performance had improved by just 1 per cent on the previous period.

Only 65 per cent had their assessments completed within four weeks, making it unlikely that December's 100 per cent target would have been reached.

But there was more improvement on reducing delays between the assessment of older people and receipt of services. Seventy per cent received services within two weeks of assessment, compared with 38 per cent the previous year.

The number of carers assessed by social services was 405,800 last year - double the number assessed in 2000-1.

• Statistics from www.publications.doh.gov.uk/rap/ccstats2004final.htm