Greenwich has been recognised as improving well, receiving a 3-star rating in the 2007 Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) results published on 7 February.
In its annual review, the Government’s independent watchdog, the Audit Commission, said that Greenwich provides value for money, is highly praised for its stewardship of public finances and is acting strongly to improve the quality of life for residents.
The CPA looks at how efficiently councils are run and assesses the quality and delivery of services provided across a range of areas, including:
- housing
- care for the elderly
- education
- recycling
- whether those services are delivering value for money for the taxpayer.
Benefits for local people
The CPA report for Greenwich states that the Council has "played a major role in the physical, social and economic regeneration of the area. The benefits for local people include significant provision of new and affordable housing, creating of local jobs with a substantial reduction in the local unemployment rate and major regeneration of the Greenwich Peninsula and town centres such as Woolwich".
The report also notes that the Council has the capacity to deliver its plans through "its ambitious modernisation programme providing confidence that improved outcomes for residents and service users are sustainable".
Greenwich also received the maximum score for value for money in the resources assessment, which looks at how well the Council manages its finances and provides value for money.
Encouraging report
Council Leader, Chris Roberts, said: "This is an extremely encouraging report and shows we are providing high-quality services for everyone living and working in Greenwich.
"I'm pleased with the improving well direction of travel, it recognises all the hard work and progress of the last 12 months. More encouraging still is the confidence shown in our ability to continue to deliver improvements for residents and service users through our modernisation programme.
"It continues to be our aim to deliver the best possible services to local residents while providing value for money."
Get more information on the Audit Commission website.
7 February 2008