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7 Feb 08Top Marks For Poole's Performance
Borough of Poole has been recognised as one of the top performing councils in the country by the Audit Commission 
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The Council has achieved the Commission's top 'four star' rating in its annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) of local authorities in England - one of three councils in the South West to do so.
The CPA scores councils in terms of their performance - evaluating efficiency and looking at the quality and delivery of services provided across a range of areas, including housing, care for the elderly, education and recycling. It also assesses whether those services are delivering value for money for the taxpayer.
Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, said: "This rating reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff to achieve the Council's ambition to provide top quality services for the residents of Poole. Despite a poor financial settlement from the Government, which places immense pressure on local services, we have demonstrated that Borough of Poole is an efficient council and delivers value for money to Council Taxpayers. We will strive hard to make further improvements and meet our objectives to develop Poole's economy, protect the environment and enhance the quality of life for all our residents, young and old. These results, coupled with the high resident satisfaction of 63% reported last year, reflect that we are working hard to do the right thing for the people of Poole."
Under CPA, councils receive an overall performance category ranging from zero to four star, with four star being the highest. It also assesses the 'direction' of each council's overall improvement. Borough of Poole was judged to be 'improving well' by the Commission.
The Commission recognises that the Council has continued to make improvements in a number of areas, including services for children and young people. Adult social services were judged as strong, and innovative social care and health services for older people were introduced in two areas of the borough. Other important service improvements included higher recycling rates for domestic waste, extended bus services and additional affordable housing. Access to services was improved by the Council's new customer service centre and the development of its website www.boroughofpoole.com.
John McBride, Chief Executive, Borough of Poole, said: "We are extremely pleased that the Audit Commission has acknowledged the Council's commitment to providing good services to the residents of Poole. Thanks go to our staff for continued commitment to their work which touches everyone in Borough, from recycling to schooling to social work and maintenance of our roads and pavements."
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