09/290, 9 December 2009
Assessment shows West Lancs is
performing well
West Lancs Borough Council has welcomed the
results of an independent assessment which shows it is performing
well for local people.
The Audit Commission has praised the Council
in a new report issued following an organisational assessment of
its work and achievements.
Cllr Ian Grant, Leader of the Council, said:
“This is a good result for the Council, particularly as it has been
achieved in the face of difficulties beyond our control such as the
recession, and reductions in grants. Our priority as a
Council is to deliver the best possible services for local people
at the lowest possible cost, and the assessment by the Audit
Commission scores us highly for our performance and shows that we
are achieving success while continuing to improve in key
areas.”
The Audit Commission report says that:
- The Council listens to local people and knows what
matters to local residents. It focuses efforts on important
issues.
- Councillors and staff work well together, trying hard to
make sure that they get good value for money for council
taxpayers.
- The Council is improving the look and feel of local areas
and keeping streets clean and tidy - a top priority for local
people. In West Lancashire, 82% of residents are satisfied with
their local area as a place to live – higher than
average
- More people are happy with the way the Council runs
things than in other areas and more people think the Council
provides good value for money.
- Crime is low and falling and the Council has good schemes
to help people feel safe in their neighbourhoods. The Council is
improving the quality of its housing and tenants are more
satisfied
It also lists some areas where the Council and
its partners could improve, including providing more affordable
housing, improving satisfaction with parks and leisure facilities,
and doing more to support business.
Cllr Grant added: “This is a very good result
for the Council and its partners. In particular credit should go to
staff at the Council and in those organizations with whom we
work. However, we are not complacent and we will look closely
at the report in the coming weeks to see how further improvements
can be made. We will also talk to our partners as many of the
recommendations involve other organizations.”
Councils and their partners all over the
country were assessed under the new Comprehensive Area
Assessment (CAA) system for the first time this year. The
Organisational Assessment forms part of CAA. The reports are
published by the Audit Commission at Oneplace - www.direct.gov.uk/oneplace
(external link).
Related information