The report praised the local authority’s support services for vulnerable people and graded the quality of care and support it provides; quality of staffing and quality of management and leadership all five (the highest rating being six).

The service provides support to people who are homeless or who may become homeless by focusing on their personal support needs and their ability to keep their tenancy. And to achieve this, a range of practical help is in place including assisting with financial issues and signposting people to benefits they are entitled to; improving life skills such as dealing with personal correspondence and managing health issues.

In addition to the Care Inspectorate’s comments people using the service also spoke very highly of the help they received.

One resident said: “They come out to see me every week, just make sure I’m ok. I have been very happy with the support. I didn’t know this kind of thing existed. The staff helped me get things together for my house and help with my money.”

Councillor Barry McCulloch, convener of housing and social work services, said: “The service offers a lifeline to people who struggle to stay in their homes and keep their tenancy, and makes a significant impact in reducing the number of people finding themselves homeless and in crisis.

“Our professional, trained and highly motivated workforce was also highlighted as a key to the service’s success. People using the service told the inspectors they had been respectfully treated and that staff often went ‘above and beyond’ to help them in periods of crisis.

“I’m delighted with this report and know the service will strive to continuously improve to ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities are supported.”

Other strengths highlighted include: