Redbridge has been named number one in the country for social care services user satisfaction.

The borough was praised by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in parliament yesterday for its social care services record.

In a parliamentary discussion on access to social care, MP for Ilford South, Mike Gapes took Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to task over lack of intermediate care facilities and sheltered accommodation for those in need of social care.

The MP raised the issue of disused land on hospital sites.

He mentioned the King George’s hospital site in Goodmayes, Ilford, and said the land was ripe to build on to provide such facilities.

Jeremy Hunt agreed with Mr Gapes’ suggestions, stating they were in line with his department’s thoughts on the issue.

The health secretary then praised Redbridge’s success in providing good social care for its residents.

He said: “I commend, too, [Gapes’] local authority of Redbridge: it is number one in the country for user satisfaction with the social care system and number four for carer satisfaction.”

Mr Gapes pointed out that Age UK say 1.2 million older people have “unmet social care needs” and emphasised that there was more to be done by the government to tackle the issue.

Mark Santos, Labour coucillor for Hainault, took to Twitter and said: “Thank you Jeremy Hunt for yesterday acknowledging the great work of Redbridge Council’s People Directorate. We have truly committed & inspiring staff delivering our Social Care Services in Redbridge.”

Mr Gapes said: “I welcome the response from the Health Secretary recognising the achievements of Redbridge Council.

“I hope the government will soon lift the threat to King George’s A&E and will allow for sensible plans for the use of the land next to King George’s to provide social care alongside the existing hospital.”

Leader of the council, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: "Despite government cuts, we are working hard to deliver the very best services so I’m pleased that the outstanding work of our staff in these challenging circumstances has been recognised by residents and the Secretary of State."