Council performing well says Audit Commission

7.55.00pm GMT Fri 28th Dec 2007

Richmond Council has been praised for its strong community leadership and judged to be performing well in this week's verdict by the Audit Commission.

Value for money, improving performance in priority areas and excellent services for young people led to a three-star rating (out of a maximum four) in the Comprehensive Performance Assessment, which measures how well local authorities deliver services for local people. It noted the Council's strong community leadership in areas such as sustainability and climate change in addition to a strong focus on community safety leading to falling crime levels.

Cllr Serge Lourie, Leader of the Council, said: "This is a very satisfying result and important recognition of the good work we are doing in many areas. We have put the environment at the heart of everything we do and aim to provide value for money, quality services for our residents. The Audit Commission judgement reflects this and also praises our successful partnership work with community and voluntary groups, and our efforts to reduce inequalities and social exclusion. However, there is still much to be done. While we are performing well, we are determined to drive up standards even higher and I pledge to residents that there will be no let-up in our efforts to deliver even better services in the years to come."