County services still 'good' (From Gazette Series)

County services still 'good'

GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council continues to provide good services according to an independent review of performance.

The Audit Commission's Comprehensive Performance Assessment was introduced nationally last year as a way of measuring and comparing how councils perform.

Results of the CPA refresher show the county council has maintained its good rating, which is based on a combination of nationally recognised service ratings and an assessment of each authority's capacity to improve to provide an overall rating.

The council has made significant improvements in social services and portfolio holder for effective local government Cllr Colin Hay said that further improvement was being achieved because of the dedication and commitment of everyone involved in providing local services.

"This is an authority that knows exactly where it is going," he said. "We have a set of very clear priorities and a clear plan of how we put improvements in place.

"By listening to our residents and finding out exactly what they think of local services, we are moving forward and providing services that fit our communities' needs. I would like to thank all our staff and partners for continuing to work hard to make a difference."

Council leader Cllr Peter Clarke said the commission's findings are extremely positive.

"The services we provide touch everyone's lives and it is extremely important that we all work together to provide the best possible services," he added. "Of course we face major challenges - such as financial pressures and complex issues such as those involved in the reviews of schools currently taking place.

"But I am very pleased that the Audit Commission has confirmed we continue to head in the right direction."

The Audit Commission now rates 26 councils as excellent, 56 good, and 40 fair. Only 10 councils out of 150 are rated poor and 18 weak.

The CPA refresher results - which rely heavily on Social Services Inspectorate and Ofsted inspection - show that councils are particularly improving the most vital services that directly affect vulnerable people - adult and children's social services, education, housing and housing benefits.

Stroud District Council's CPA refresher will be carried out with all district councils in July.