The independent assessment, which rates 150 local authorities on the quality of their services, found that none of the councils in South Yorkshire had improved in the last year.

Rotherham Borough Council faired worse, as one of only 12 in the country found to be 'weak', the lowest of five rating categories.

Overall in England, there were 26 councils in the excellent category; 56 in good; 40 in fair; 18 in weak and 10 in poor.

Rotherham Council blamed lower standards in family services for the fall, and said plans had already been implemented to address the situation.

Improvement work

Chief executive Ged Fitzgerald said they were disappointed at what they believed was a "temporary and uncharacteristic blip".

"We remain committed to improving the quality of all our services, including those that have slipped in this assessment," he said.

"Improvement work has already begun and, after studying the detail of this latest assessment, revised action plans are being drawn up which will be considered by members in the New Year."

Barnsley, which was awarded a 'good' rating last year, fell into the 'fair' category this year to join Doncaster Metropolitan Council which maintained its 'fair' standard.

Sheffield City Council was the other non-mover, maintaining a 'good' rating for the standard of its services.