News & Views!News & Views

Borough Council judged as the best in the country

The Leader and the Chief Executive of Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council have offered their congratulations to Council officers for their continued excellent delivery of services and high levels of performance.  The recent Performance Indicator Profile publication, issued by the Audit Commission, has ranked the Council 19th out of 388 authorities throughout England.

The Audit Commission’s assessment relates to performance in 2006/2007 and covers such services as waste management, community safety, benefits, cultural and leisure provision and employee attendance.  In one category the Borough Council was assessed as the number one performer in the whole of the country.  In the field of ‘Regulation Services’, the Planning and Environmental Health departments have come out on top.  This is a remarkable performance against a background of unprecedented growth in the Borough through built development and a corresponding increase in environmental factors.

The Audit Commission report makes many positive statements about the Councils arrangements and makes suggestions for further improvements. Particularly pleasing are their views that :-

“The Council has been able to tackle poorer performing areas whilst maintaining low spending overall and low tax levels.”

“Areas of higher spending are in line with stated priorities and the investment results in improved services.”

“Overall, the Council is performing strongly on the Value for Money agenda”

Chief Executive of the Council, Paul Ancell, said:  “I’m thrilled with the results.  They demonstrate the benefits of working together to deliver high performing services within a sound financial regime.”

Commenting on the Audit Commission’s report, Borough Council Leader, Councillor Brian Silvester said:  “This is a great result for the Borough and, in particular, for its staff, who are meeting the needs of a rapidly-expanding and  diverse Borough. The improvements introduced by our new administration in 2006 are clearly paying dividends.  We cannot rest on our laurels but to be at the very top of this highly competitive league table is any manager’s dream.

That such a level of performance improvement has been achieved during a period of significant change and uncertainty is very satisfying indeed.  Congratulations are due to all who have contributed.”

ENDS

BOROUGH COUNCIL CONTACT:         Paul Ancell – Chief Executive

TELEPHONE:                                      01270 537550   

For Media enquiries contact:                  Ian Richardson - 01270 537018

news.views@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

0006/ir                                                                                               

14 January 2008