Date:

03/03/2009

Camden Council continues to be one of the best councils in the country, according to figures published today (Thursday 5 March) by the independent Audit Commission.

The Council received the top four star rating, and continues to be ‘improving strongly’.

Inspectors said: ‘Camden Council is improving strongly. The Council continues to deliver strong improvement in key areas such as children and young people, environment and housing benefit.’

In their assessment, the inspectors highlighted:
* Crime in the borough has reduced significantly
* Engagement with residents and hard to reach groups is strong
* The Council provides excellent value for money, and the Better and Cheaper programme has made the Council more efficient
* There are plans for further improvement in housing and planning
* Resident satisfaction continues to be high
* Investments are being made in key priority areas such as housing and leisure centres

The Council was also assessed as providing ‘excellent value for money’, receiving the top possible rating for managing resources.

Cllr Keith Moffitt, Leader of Camden Council said:

“This result shows we are continuing to provide the best services we can at very good value for residents. This is even more important as we enter a recession, and the Council will be making £9.5m worth of savings over the next two years. We do however underline our commitment to invest in essential services including schools, roads, council housing and homes for older people.”

Cllr Andrew Marshall, Deputy Leader added:

“This is great news for Camden residents, who are continuing to see improvements in the borough’s services whilst receiving a 0% increase in council tax this year. We want to help out residents as much as we can during the recession. This will include measures including our job shops and the £6m ‘Camden Recovery Fund’, to provide advice and practical support to residents and businesses.”

Moira Gibb, Chief Executive added:

“This result is a reflection of all the hard work our staff carry out for the benefit of everyone working in, living in and visiting the borough. I would like to say thank you to all the people working for the Council who contributed to this great result.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Full results are available from the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk

Scores for individual services are (in a range of 1-4, with 4 highest):

Level 1 services:  Use of resources (4), Children and Young People (4), Social Care (adult) (4) Level 2 services: Environment (3), Culture (3), Benefits (3), Housing (3)