Four star rating again for St.Helens Council
Again St. Helens Council proves itself one of the best in the country for the overall quality of services it provides.
The Annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) report by the Audit Commission revealed the results of countrywide inspections of councils, announcing that St.Helens has again retained its top 4 star rating.
Overall, the Council is improving well, particularly in its priority areas.
In fact, its score for use of resources earned it joint second place in the country as St.Helens continues to improve performance year on year, reducing costs, minimising council tax increases and offering all round value for money.
In addition to its excellent use of resources score, this year there were also strong improvements in the priority areas of community safety, regeneration, adult social care and health services, and services for children and young people.
Singled out for praise was the Council’s approach to promoting community safety, spotlighting that crime levels in the Borough are reducing and people are feeling increasingly safe in the area.'
Also praised is the Council's work in regenerating the Borough where ‘projects to regenerate the local economy and support for local businesses and entrepreneurs are having a positive impact.’
Adult social care services are now rated amongst the best in the country, being assessed as delivering ‘Excellent’ outcomes for service users and their carers, with ‘Excellent’ capacity to improve in the future.
The Council also consistently delivers good outcomes for children and young people, with education results again continuing to improve overall. Partnership working continues to improve health and strong progress has been made in improving leisure facilities, increasing access and usage.
Improving the health of local people remains an ongoing challenge for the Council and its partners. However, the report acknowledged the successes to date, particularly the area of community based activities used to support healthier lifestyles.
Progress in improving the environment was also highlighted with year on year increases in the rate of recycling. The Council was also praised for its strong partnership working and good community engagement.
Overall, 'arrangements to improve services for all communities are improving and effective planning and strong performance management enable the Council to stay on track and deliver value for money.'
The Leader of the Council Brian Spencer says: "The report is excellent news for the Borough. The findings clearly reflect the progress we are making in delivering our long-term ambitions, as well as the commitment and hard work shown by our staff and partners. New challenges are now arising, but clearly we have much to be confident about. Local people lie at the heart of all we do, and we will continue to work in partnership with our communities to create a future for St Helens we are all truly proud of.”
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