ADULT social care services in Dorset are only adequate - after slipping down performance rankings, watchdogs said today.

Dorset County Council's adult social care services have gone from a good two-star service to a one-star, according to the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

Council chiefs said today they are working to make improvements to the service.

But the findings come just two weeks after the standard of adult social care was called to account by the council's audit and scrutiny committee.

David Crowhurst, cabinet member for adult and community services, said the report reflected challenges the council faces in funding and managing adult social care. He said the drop this year is largely influenced by the reduction in the number of people, particularly older people, receiving services to help them live independently in their own homes.

He said the council, like many others across the country, has introduced a higher threshold for eligibility for services in order to manage its budget.

"We welcome the annual performance rating as it helps us identify where we are doing well and where we need to improve.

"We are disappointed by the result, but recognise there are issues and are already working hard to tackle them."

He said following the examination of the service by the audit and scrutiny committee the council was already planning a peer review to produce an improvement plan.

"Having identified the weak areas we have already put measures in place to address the problems. For example, we have carried out a care management review and will introduce ways to speed up the assessment process - something highlighted in the findings. In the long term, our Fit for the Future programme will help streamline processes and identify more resources for frontline services."

The annual report also highlights strengths and commends the council on a good range of information available to the public.