SERVICES for children and young people in North Somerset are the best in the South West and among the best in the country, according to a new audit. A team of independent inspectors gave a glowing report of the social care, education, health and youth ser

SERVICES for children and young people in North Somerset are the best in the South West and among the best in the country, according to a new audit.A team of independent inspectors gave a glowing report of the social care, education, health and youth services delivered by North Somerset Council and partner agencies.Areas that could be improved include making sure child care is consistently allocated to qualified social workers and providing better training to councillors.The news is not so rosy for North Somerset Council's performance under a new Audit Commission report.The authority has been given a 'performing adequately' rating, or two stars out of four, following inspections by the Government watchdog in March.Inspectors said the council has a clear vision and ambitious plans for improving the area and is working hard to improve services.But it was criticised for the way it markets its services for older people and for its use of its own skills and resources. Councillors were told to up their game to better challenge the council and improve performance.In response, director for development David Turner said that the chief problem is that North Somerset is under-funded by millions of pounds compared to similar local authorities.