02/04/2009

Council praised for progress

Government inspectors have praised the Liberal Democrat Council for its progress in becoming more efficient and improving life for residents.

The Annual Audit and Inspection Letter from the Audit Commission says the council is "working well" to address issues in managing its resources and improving performance in priority areas.

Work to support businesses and potential investors is described as "proactive", and the report says the city council is making a "positive contribution to wider community outcomes" through its partnership with organisations such as Merseyside Police and the Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Council Leader Warren Bradley said: "This is further evidence of the excellent progress we are making in improving services and providing value for money for local residents.

"Right across the council we are working hard to make every penny count and deliver the very best services - whether it's caring for the most vulnerable people, giving every young person in the city the opportunity to reach their full potential or providing help and support to businesses.

"Just this week there has been more evidence of our success. We were named Council of the Year for Regeneration at the LGC Awards, while our 15 year vision for the city set out ambitious but achievable targets for improving life for every man, woman and child.

"But are not complacent and there is still a great deal of work going on to accelerate the progress that we have already made.

"Next year, we have a tremendous opportunity to promote the city on the world stage at Shanghai EXPO, and we are determined to take full advantage of it in order to bring much needed jobs and investment to Liverpool."

The report says the council's financial management arrangements have been strengthened, and welcomes improvements in the budget setting process.

It notes that regeneration projects across the city such as Liverpool One, the Arena and Convention Centre, housing market renewal, Kensington Regeneration, Edge Lane and the Estuary Commerce Park will provide "better economic and community benefits".

It also highlights progress in education, where the number of pupils getting five good GCSE grades has exceeded the national average for the first time. And it singles out improvements in adult social care, an increase in recycling rates and the work to improve health such as providing free leisure passes for under 17s and over 60s.

Deputy Council Leader and Executive Member for Finance, Councillor Flo Clucas, added: "This is a very positive report and shows that we are improving well.

"We have strengthened our finances over the last year through the development of a robust and flexible medium term financial plan and are putting more money into reserves.

"The budget we set recently was based upon our priorities which include making the city safer and delivering the £500 million Building Schools for the Future programme.