11 May 2007
Independent government watchdog the Audit Commission has given Guildford Borough Council top marks for ‘managing and improving value for money’ in its assessment for 'Use of Resources' - part of its annual audit and inspection letter.
In its report the Audit Commission says the council has ‘sound arrangements for achieving good value for money’ and has ‘maintained a high level of performance in most areas and in comparison with other district councils’. The report adds that ‘seeking continuous improvement in value for money is an integral part of the council’s culture’.
Chief Executive David Hill welcomes the assessment:
“The report is good news for residents of the borough and staff here at the council. The findings of the Commission demonstrate our solid track record of service improvement is ongoing and confirms our commitment to achieving value for money - something that all residents want and expect us to deliver”.
The report sets out the council’s main strengths including its:
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achievements in housing and council tax benefit administration - recently assessed as ‘excellent’ by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate
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high performance in recycling and composting waste which is among the best nationally
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energy-saving projects to help tackle climate change
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provision of affordable and key worker housing
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successful housing schemes such as choice-based lettings
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improved community safety schemes
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telecare and telemedicine initiatives
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awards for Sutherland Memorial Park and Guildford House Gallery
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active engagement with the local business community.
The Audit Commission concludes that some of the key challenges now facing the council are to explore ways to maintain and improve its performance further and identify more opportunities for generating efficiency savings within the council itself.
ENDS
Notes for editors
The Audit Commission is an independent body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively to achieve high quality services for the public. The annual audit and inspection letter summarises the more important issues arising from the audit and inspection under the headings of how the council is performing (including a ‘direction of travel’ report analysing improvements since last year) and financial management and value for money.