COMPREHENSIVE PERFROMANCE ASSESSMENT 

The Audit Commission has published its assessment of Cambridgeshire County Council following an inspection it carried
out in January 2007.  It rates the Council as performing adequately.
It rates the overall service provided by the Council to the people of Cambridgeshire as good, above minimum standard.

Council Leader Shona Johnstone stated that the evaluation provided by the Audit Commission had been considered in 
depth and considerable improvements made in 2007, since the inspection. 
She said: "I am pleased that the Audit Commission rates the quality of our services as good.  
This is what matters most to the public.  Education services are doing very well with many young people 
attaining excellent exam results.  Services in areas including environment, economic development and transport 
are all praised.  The report goes on to say that we are improving the quality of life for many of our residents." 

"I am also pleased with acknowledgement that many of our services are very good value for money.  
This is essential if we are to retain high quality services with a council tax rate which remains one of the 
lowest in England.  However, we need to increase quality in some areas such as services for older people and 
adults affected by disability. 

We need to:

·        State clearly the long term ambition for the county

·        Agree priorities with other agencies such as the Police, Fire and Rescue and the City and District Councils, the PCT

·        Provide more leadership to make sure the plans of all public services throughout Cambridgeshire complement each other

·        Set clear and ambitious targets and monitor our performance in a very open way.

Councillor Johnstone added: "It is heartening to note that the report thinks our capacity to resolve these issues is good.  
The contribution of members from all parties supporting and scrutinising the work of the council is praised as is our sound financial base. 

"This is a strong basis to move forward into a period of challenge of unprecedented growth and considerable prosperity for all. 
I am confident this council is up to this challenge and that my ambition to provide the people of Cambridgeshire only with the best 
is widely shared throughout the council."

John Reynolds