The report is critical of long waiting times for elderly services

Plymouth City Council has received a zero star rating for the third year and the Isles of Scilly has been given no stars for the second year running.

Sandwell in the West Midlands was also given a zero-rating by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI).

The only council in the South West to improve its position was Devon, which went from one to two stars.

Special measures

The 2005 report said 25% of council social care services in England are failing to meet the needs of both children and adults.

The CSCI's chief inspector said councils needed more money, efficiency savings and better use of resources to prevent future problems.

The lack of support for carers and long waits for elderly and disabled services were also criticised in the report.

Zero-star councils automatically fall into special measures which are monitored on a monthly basis.

Plymouth City Council issued a statement which said it had expected the zero rating after a recent highly critical report on its children's services.

Improvements made

It said a new Children's Services Department had already been created, and the council's action plan has been approved by the CSCI.

The statement also said the rating system masked considerable improvements which have been made in adult services since the last report.

Dick Scaife, the new director of social services for the Isles of Scilly Council told BBC News the zero rating was disappointing.

He said there was some difficulties over the government's modernisation plans because of the islands' small population and limited resources, but the council had a clear and pro-active relationship with CSCI for developing a way forward.

"We all stand together and we'll get stuck into this", he said.

Devon County Council said being awarded another star was a reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by staff.

David Johnstone, director of social services, said: "Overall we're pleased with the report."

Elsewhere in the country, 26 councils received the maximum three-star rating.