The award of a top three-star rating to Medway Council's adult care services had come after some "difficult decisions," says a councillor.

The service has been graded as excellent in five of the 11 categories in the Government's annual assessment.

This year's assessment follows a controversial shake-up of the service.

Cllr Alan Jarrett, the Cabinet’s finance chief,said:“It is excellent news for the people of Medway against huge resource constraints. You could call it Miraculous Plus.”

He said the rating had come after difficult decisions, and bitter opposition that had frightened people unnecessarily.

“It is an absolute vindication of what we have been doing,” he said.

Cllr Tom Mason, the portfolio holder, asked the all-Conservative Cabinet: “How good can you get?”

The service looks after some of the most vulnerable people in the community, he said.

Cllr Howard Doe said Medway was in the forefront of developing adult care services within the community, working closely with health officials.