Auditors say Council is performing well

11.13.18am GMT Mon 8th Mar 2010

• RICHMOND Council's external auditor, private firm PKF, has given the authority an overall grade of 'performing well' in its annual audit letter - an independent review of operational and financial management.

The report states: "Services are generally low cost, providing good levels of performance and some of the highest levels of satisfaction in the country. It also says: "There is a strong focus on efficiency and the Council is developing its staff and managers to meet the challenges of the future." The report has been welcomed by the authority, as independent approval of its commitment to high quality services to benefit and improve the lives of residents. It gave an overall grade of three out of four.

Cllr Stephen Knight, Richmond Council's Deputy Leader, said: "These achievements come as the result of hard work by staff at all levels, but I am happy to see that again the Council's performance for our residents has been given strong backing. PKF's report tells us what we are doing well and what we can be even better at, and we will continue to push for improvements where they need to be made. I am satisfied with the comments the Council have been given, but the message to people living and working in the borough is that we will continue to work hard in how we operate to achieve the best value for every pound we spend."

All local authorities receive an 'audit letter' every year; Richmond Council's letter describes its financial planning as 'effective' and records a shift towards priority services and good consultation with residents to seek views on spending. In particular it highlights good practice in the consultation on CO2 parking.

It states that: "The Council has a good track record of exceeding its efficiency savings from an already low cost base and has achieved savings of £4.8 million in 2008-9 against a target of £4.5 million. Further efficiencies may be available by exploring shared service arrangements.

The report also reviewed the Council's progress in understanding and reducing health inequalities. The auditor said while there were still some improvements to be made, the Council was committed to working with partners to reduce inequalities. "Mortality rates, heart disease and strokes…and cancer have shown a downward trend over then last 10 years. The report states that sustainable development is taken seriously and it is increasing public awareness of the issue. It says plans are in place for an air quality action plan and a climate change strategy, but reminds the Council there are other examples of best practice which could be adopted to further improve work in this area.

• Note: The grading system rates councils from one to four, just two per cent of authorities nationally achieve the top level grade four.