Reform-run Essex County Council's children's social care is rated 'outstanding' in every area by Ofsted inspectors

Essex County Council has become England's sole council to earn an 'outstanding' rating in every area of children's social care across three successive Ofsted inspections. The council, under Reform UK control since May, was commended for high-quality early help services, robust safeguarding and an expanded young carers' service with 1,500 identified young carers on its books.

Reform council leader Peter Harris said the result demonstrates that Essex's most vulnerable residents are receiving the support they require.

The outstanding grades come despite a £20m overspend this year, with two pounds in every three of council spending going on adult and children's care.

A separate row is brewing inside the council after a Reform cabinet member resigned over SEND officers he claimed were refusing education health care plan applications.