One of the first local councils to have been given unitary status has been slated by the Audit Commission and social services inspectorate for the way it provides social care - and its poor links with the NHS.

Bracknell Forest council, in Berkshire, is 'failing to deliver social services that consistently meet the needs of local people', according to the joint report.

The review also recommends that the council - which became a unitary authority two years ago - should develop closer partnerships with health and 'engage more collaboratively' with both health and neighbouring local authorities to tackle staff recruitment and retention difficulties.

The joint reviews were established in 1996 and had published reports into 75 councils by the end of 2000. A further 30 reports are underway, with those on Torbay, Kensington and Chelsea and Blackburn due this month.

A spokesperson from Berkshire HA said they knew the council was working hard to address the issues raised.