2007 was a 'good' year
Lancaster City Council’s continued improvement and achievements have been recognised by Local Government’s independent watchdog.
Lancaster City Council’s continued improvement and achievements have been recognised by Local Government’s independent watchdog.
The Audit Commission has rated the council as a ‘good’ authority – the second best category out of five - following an inspection in October last year.
The inspection report, which was released today, recognises that the council has made impressive progress since it was last inspected in 2003, when it was rated as ‘fair’, and can be proud of its “significant achievements” including leading the physical, social and economic regeneration of the district.
It also points out that the council has a “clear and challenging vision for its communities” and its ambitions and plans to regenerate the district are “impressive”.
This vision, the report adds, is helping to narrow the gap between the district’s most deprived communities and its areas of affluence.
The Audit Commission also notes that the council has strengthened its financial capacity. It is well managed financially, maximises funding opportunities, and delivers adequate value for money. The council has exceeded its efficiency targets and the improved financial position is supporting the delivery of its priorities.
The report also recognises that there are areas where the council can improve and the recommendations will now be examined to ensure continued improvement.
Coun Roger Mace, leader of the council, said: “This report is based on evidence collected last autumn. As such, the praise given by the Audit Commission, and the increase in our rating that recognises us as a ‘good’ authority reflect the achievements under the previous administration, led by Ian Barker. The current cabinet inherited a council that has made great strides in recent years, and councillors and officers alike are continuing to bring communities together to deal with the major issues facing us, and to work with our partners to make our district an increasingly attractive place in which to live, work and play.”
Among the achievements noted by the report are:
* Regeneration of the district with the attraction of £54 million in external funding
* A strong focus on preserving the district’s heritage by working with partners to refurbish buildings including the Midland Hotel and the Storey Institute
* The success of Neighbourhood Management in Poulton and the West End of Morecambe, where the Council engages well with residents.
* Improvement in recycling rates
* Use of leisure facilities to encourage exercise and healthy eating
* Good use of the Cycling Demonstration Town project to enhance cycling facilities and encourage more people to go by bike
* Impressive Service Performance improvement
* A significant contribution to reducing crime and fear of crime through work with other partners on the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership
* Significant improvements to housing services with tenant satisfaction increasing from 63.5 per cent to 79.6 per cent.
* The success of the anti-litter action plan, ‘Putting Litter in Its Place, which has had a positive impact on the overall cleanliness of the district.
* Strong improvement in the benefits service, resulting in improved user satisfaction.
For a copy of the full report visit the Audit Commission’s website, http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/authority.asp?CategoryID=ENGLISH^576^LOCAL-VIEW^AUTHORITIES^104616
Date Updated: 19/03/09