CHILDREN are better off and social services has improved these are just two results of a dramatic turnaround by Ealing Council, earning it a star mark in checks by a government watchdog.

Ealing Council has shaken off its "weak" rating and jumped two categories in the annual assessment by the Audit Commission.

The remarkable turnaround comes after "a year of turbulence", following the council's lost court battle to reverse last year's rating, costing taxpayers more than £350,000.

Progress in key areas such as adult social services, housing, planning, environmental health and children and young peoples' services earned the council three out of four stars the second top ranking.

Council leader Leo Thomson said: "As a council we have taken our fair share of knocks and negative coverage for a range of reasons. We have been through a year of turbulence, so it is important for staff to have their efforts rewarded. It clearly shows the council is moving in the right direction after a difficult 12 months. But we cannot be complacent."

The comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) assesses how the council is performing, where it can improve its services, and how it can become more efficient and give value for money.

Officers say improvements are down to efforts of staff, the leader, and the work of the new board, headed by chief executive Darra Singh.

Mr Singh said: "The key for us now is that we are seen to be providing better services as judged by residents, businesses and visitors to Ealing.

The council has been striving to rebuild strained relationships with the commission.

Cllr Thompson said: "One of our key objectives was to move on from that whole situation."

"The work that Darra has done has shown that we are in the process of doing that."

The grading system was made harder this year, moving from "weak" and "good" ratings, to starred categories.

In its assessment, the Audit Commission stated: "Ealing has made improvements in key services, particularly children's social services, education, customer access and and aspects of housing."

It praised the new leader and corporate board after what it called a "period of considerable uncertainty".

Improvements in cultural services, the environment and corporate governance are now high on the council's agenda, Mr Singh added.