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14 Jul 04Borough of Poole is Striving for Excellence
A dynamic new direction has emerged at the Borough of Poole which will shape the development of services for the next 3 years - Striving for Excellence.
Responding to residents, businesses, partners and the Government, Striving for Excellence is a major shake up of what the Council stands for and how it does its business. It gives clarity to Poole's long term priorities, making it clear what is important in further improving the quality of life and securing the future of Poole.
The new direction comes at a time when Poole Council is considering the results of the Poole Residents Survey 2003, a survey carried out by all Councils to compare performance across the country. The survey provides the Council with quality information about what Poole people think of the Council and the services it provides.
Comparisons with national results from the Government show that waste collection, libraries, parks and open spaces, the Waterfront Museum and the Lighthouse are excellent services, all performing well above the national average.
Overall, 53% of residents are satisfied 'with the way the Council runs things', which has fallen from 68% in 2001. This is in keeping with the national decline in satisfaction which has been linked to the rising levels of Council Tax.
Councillor Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, said: "The Audit Commission has said that we are a good Council - not far off being excellent. The survey shows that many of our services are performing in the top 25% of all local authorities; however it also highlights areas where improvements are needed. Despite low levels of government funding, our drive for efficiency and our determination to keep the Council Tax under control, we are determined to do better to change perceptions and be considered excellent - Poole deserves nothing less."
John McBride, Chief Executive, Borough of Poole said: "Striving for excellence links directly to local people's expectations. We recognise that delivering it right every time will be an extremely difficult target, but it is a target for every one of our services. With the new direction, clear long term priorities and 5 step change projects to deliver it, the building blocks are already in place to achieve the excellence in our services that local people deserve and expect."
Contact: Heather Russ, Consultation Manager, Borough of Poole, Tel: 01202 633279
Heather Russ
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