Wirral Council: Still failing to catch up WIRRAL council continues to languish towards the bottom of the ratings. The council continues to have two stars when the majority of North West local authorities now have three or four stars. Wirral Council lost a star in the environmental sector – transport, planning and waste management – down from three to two stars. It also lost its maximum four star score in housing, which was down to three, but improved its benefits rate from three to four. The commission also praised the council’s “significant plans for the long-term regeneration of the area such as the Mersey Waterfront Park, Wirral Waters and the regeneration of New Brighton.” “The Council continues to invest to enable it to deliver its ambitions and improve services and value for money for local people.” Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Steve Foulkes said: “I am delighted to receive recognition that many council services are continuing to get better. “Our staff work in a challenging environment with higher public expectations of council services.” Sefton Council: Improving SEFTON Council was the only authority in the North West to improve its rating to the maximum score, according to the Audit Commission. In the publication of the CPA today the council jumped from three star rating in 2006 to four stars. The Audit Commission’s report into the council highlights a number of schemes and services in Sefton which have improved the lives of residents. The council is also praised for achieving good value for money. “It is planning effectively for the future and a major service review designed to reduce costs and improve services is progressing well,” stated the report. Chief executive of Sefton Council, Graham Haywood, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Sefton has been awarded its four-star status. It is a great tribute to the fantastic amount of work we have put in, particularly over the last two or three years, where we have moved from a two star to a four star, which is probably one of the best improvements in the country. “Now the challenge is to stay in the top bracket.” Cllr Tony Robertson, leader of Sefton Council, added: “Being a four-star authority is not just about wearing a badge of honour or having another tick in the box, it is proof and reassurance that we are delivering for our residents.” St Helens: Top three for the UK ST HELENS Council is in the top three of best performing councils in the country. In the annual CPA issued by the Audit Commission, the council was once again awarded the top four star rating. Singled out for praise is its crime and disorder reduction strategy which has cut crime levels in deprived wards and across the borough. Regeneration of the borough and good financial management were also praised along-side improved leisure facilities. Council leader Brian Spencer, said: “This is the best inspection the council has ever had and excellent news for the people of St Helens. “The findings clearly reflect our strong focus on strong leadership and neighbourhood renewal, as well as the commitment and hard work shown by our staff and partners.” “We are clearly delivering on our long term ambitions and vision for the borough and local people will continue to be placed at the heart of everything the council does.” The council was given four star rating in all service areas except in relation to children and young people, environment, and social care where it received three stars. But it needs to improve recycling levels which remain below average. Cheshire County Council: Still four star CHESHIRE County Council has maintained its top four star rating, by continuing to improve in priority areas. The latest result means the council has now been rated among the top performing authorities for the last five years. Chief executive Jeremy Taylor said: “This is a tremendous tribute to our staff and the quality of the services they provide for the public. “It is a matter of great regret that the Secretary of State could not have recognised such dedication when making her decision to split the county”. Cheshire’s Children’s Services, including education and social care, adult social care, and environment, including transport planning and waste, all scored three out of four performing well. And culture, including the county’s library service, scored the maximum four. Council Leader Paul Findlow: “It speaks volumes for the commitment and ability of staff who once again have served Cheshire and its people in the best traditions of the county council.” Knowsley Council: Childrens’ services under review KNOWSLEY moved up a gear this year gaining a maximum score for its use of resources compared to last year’s three. It was not granted a star rating as its Children and Young People’s Services remain under review by Ofsted. However, general indicators are good and the Audit Commission reveals it is increasing educational attainment – despite Knowsley falling to the bottom of the league tables for its performance in 2007’s GCSEs. Key achievements over the last year include significant reduction in crime levels, better homeless people’s services and helping older people remain independent. Knowsley is also progressing in employment rates and reducing health inequalities. At yesterday’s cabinet meeting a raft of measures to improve efficiency still further were rubber-stamped. Council leader Ron Round, said: “Our vision is improving people’s lives in Knowsley. “It is pleasing to see that we are on our way to achieving this and that we are seen to be improving well.” Warrington: Four star all the way WARRINGTON has been judged a four star performer and has improved faster in most areas compared with other councils, according to the Audit Commission It was doing well in improving health, reducing crime, increasing recycling, advancing education performance and providing good value for money. The four star “excellent” rating keeps Warrington in the top third of councils in the country. There are also high marks for the council’s management and the way it uses its resources. Cllr Ian Marks, leader of the council, said: “Being awarded a four star rating is an achievement in itself, but maintaining it under a tougher set of standards shows how we have continued to raise the bar.” Diana Terris, chief executive, says: “Retaining our four star rating, coupled with our success in the corporate assessment and appraisal of children’s services, is a true reflection of the hard work, commitment and team work of our 8,000-plus staff. “I would like to thank all our staff for the crucial part they have played in achieving this success” Halton Council: Well above minimum standard HALTON Borough Council has been awarded four stars as a council which is performing well above the minimum standard. In the 2007 CPA carried out by the Audit Commission, the council was once again given the highest ranking, one of only 12 in the North West. In its assessment, the Audit Commission praised improvements in GCSE results which were among the highest in the country. It said the council had improved the number of older people being helped at home, reduced crime and unemployment and kept satisfaction with its services high. Leader of the council, Tony McDermott, said: “We are delighted with these results which are a credit to members, staff and partners who have been working hard to improve services for the residents of Halton.” The report also highlights areas the council needs to improve; waste management, road safety and female life expectancy. Four stars were awarded in relation to benefits and culture with three stars being given for performance in relation to children and young people, environment, housing and social care. Lancashire County Council: Excellent LANCASHIRE County Council has received a maximum four stars for its services for the fourth year running. The Audit Commission praised the council for promoting healthy lifestyles, working well to cut crime and boosting the economy. Inspectors said managers were focused on saving money through improved efficiency, confirming last week’s announcement that it has also achieved top marks for its use of resources. Initiatives to connect with communities and provide better access to services were also singled out as ways the council is continuing to improve. Council leader Hazel Harding said: “This is good news for everyone as it means they are receiving some of the best local government services in the country. “We have achieved this by focusing clearly on the things that are most important to people.” | 
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