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| Inspectors praise Town Hall |
TOP Marks have been awarded to Islington Council by government
inspectors who this week praised it as “improving well”.
The Audit Commission’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment
(CPA), released yesterday, awarded the borough three-star status.
The council scored three out of four in every area, including housing
and children with many of the ratings higher than 2004. Its over
all ranking was also three out of a possible four.
Under the environment section, it only scored two – the same
as last year.
The review is deemed to be a harder test than in previous years.
Statistically, the three star status is the same as the old “good”
grade, which Islington achieved last year. However, the analysis
local authorities had to undergo this time around was tougher.
Islington jumped from “poor” to “good” in two
years.
This year’s report states: “Improvements are being achieved
in priority areas such as social housing, education and housing
benefits. In general, 78 per cent of the key local government performance
indicators show Islington improving since 2002/03, albeit starting
from a low base in some areas.”
The CPA report highlights key areas of improvement in children’s
services, social care and street cleaning. But it says educational
attainment, council tax collection rates and recycling services
are “areas for further improvement”.
In last year’s Audit Commission report, the auditor was “concerned
about the council’s ability to meet the 18 per cent minimum
recycling targets for 2005/06”.
This year recycling is again remarked upon as a key area in need
of improvement.
Lib Dem leader Steve Hitchins said: “This confirms that our
work to keep improving people’s services is delivering measurable
results. We are delighted with the Audit Commission’s findings.
“There is still much more to do and we are determined to continue
to work hard to deliver consistently improving services.”
Opposition Labour leader Catherine West added: “The Audit Commission
has identified several key areas where the Lib Dem Council is letting
residents down. Labour will be watching closely to make sure the
Council improves its performance.” |
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