Wyre Borough Council voted 'good' by Audit Commission

12:59pm Sunday 25th May 2008

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Wyre Borough Council is officially a 'good' council according to the latest Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) report by the Audit Commission published this week.

The report follows an inspection of the council by the Commission in January this year and has seen the council's rating leap from 'weak' to 'good' in just four years.

The CPA verdict on the council is the first to be delivered since 2004 and reflects the Commission's view that Wyre is now a council that is "performing well " and demonstratring "considerable ambition."

In particular the Commission has praised the council's efforts to communicate and engage with its residents, refect local concerns and deliver good value for money with its services.

The report also adds that the council is performing well in its priority areas, with significant achievements in crime reduction through its community safety work, housing renewal, planning and benefits.

Last year the council's planning department was named the UK's most improved planning service after it leapt from 295th place to 11th in the Government's official national league table. In addition the council has, in conjunction with partner groups, launched a series of highly successful Cleansweep operations to tackle 'crime' and grime' problems in the borough. The latest initiative will run in the Pharos ward in Fleetwood for four weeks from May 27.

The council has also delivered a number of effective housing renewal schemes in the borough, with the most recent project in the Burn Naze area of Thornton Cleveleys bringing substantial improvements to over 75 houses in that area.

The commission report also highlights some areas for improvement in its report which it believes the council should prioritise in its work during the next three years. These include further strengthening its focus on equality and diversity issues and improving its work on action planning The results have been welcomed by both the leader of the council and the Chief Executive. Council leader Coun Russell Forsyth said: "This report represents an independent endorsement that this Council has transformed itself in the last 4 years.

"How have we changed? Through consulting with local residents we understand what their ambitions are for the area.

"By continually listening to what they tell us, we know what their priorities are and have moved resources to achieve them.

"Our capacity to deliver on those priorities has been strengthened by working hand-in-glove with our local partners - the County Council, the Police, local health and housing providers. We've taken risks and been innovative."

"Residents' satisfaction rates are on the increase across the board, the quality of our services gets better and better and we provide value for money from a sound financial base, but we won't be resting on our laurels.

"The Audit Commission has left us with some areas for improvement which we're already working on. We know where we're going and we're confident we will get there."

The council's chief executive Jim Corry said: "This is a fantastic compliment to all of our staff whose contributions have enabled us to achieve such a great result.

"Whilst changing the culture of an organisation and turning performance around may require leadership, it also requires the sustained support of every person working there.

"This has been a team effort by everyone and I'm just grateful that we have such a superb group of staff working for us".

A copy of the full CPA inspection report is available to view by visiting the council's website at www.wyrebc.gov.uk. Alternatively contact the council swtichboard on 01253 891000 for details.