South Somerset scores high in tougher test of council performance

5.41.14pm GMT Thu 10th Dec 2009

Liberal Democrat run South Somerset District Council has scored highly in the first of the Audit Commission's tougher inspections, being described as an authority 'exceeding its requirements and performing well.'

The rigorous assessment found South Somerset to be 'doing well against its targets', 'doing the right things to help the district be economically secure' and as being 'more successful than any other South West council' for securing affordable housing development.

It also described the area as safe and clean with one of the highest recycling rates in the country, giving South Somerset an overall 3 out of 4 scoring.

Cllr Tim Carroll, Leader of South Somerset District Council said, "The report highlighted that we are one of the fastest improving councils in the country and I think that summarises things well. It is a credit to staff and members of South Somerset District Council that we have reached this point but we will not be complacent.

"It will be a very tough time ahead for councils but what is most important that we continue to focus on the services that people need and value whilst continuing to make the savings that we must make. Residents are our real judges - we need to ensure that every one of our residents has a standard of service that they are pleased with.

"It is not going to be easy but we have a clear idea of people's priorities and a good track record of making planned savings but still delivering the quality of services and projects that our residents appreciate. The key is to find a balance."

The results come as part of a new compulsory 'Comprehensive Area Assessment', designed to independently review how well all authorities are tackling local priorities. It is the first time since 2004 that all councils at every level have been assessed.

In the past year in South Somerset, street cleaning performance has improved five-fold, anti-social behaviour has fallen by 9%, flytipping collection moved to the top level of performance and 172 affordable homes were delivered despite the recession, contributing to 35% of the Somerset total.

Homelessness was reduced from over 130 people in August last year to 31 this August, adult participation in sport improved by over 2% of the district's population and support was given to businesses, all whilst a major savings programme swung into action.