Date: 08 February 2008 21:14

COUNTY COUNCIL IMPROVEMENT COMPARES WITH THE BEST NATIONALLY -
OFFICIAL

Cambridgeshire County Council's improvement in key performance targets set 
by Government "compares with the best nationally" according to the public 
sector watchdog, the Audit Commission.

 A report released by the Audit Commission today (7 February) states that 
"the Council is improving in many priority areas.  Performance remains good 
in children's services.  Recycling rates are amongst the best and 
improving".  It adds that "performance indicator improvement compares with 
the best nationally. 38 per cent of indicators are now in the top 25 per 
cent."  The report also highlights that "use of resources is now strong and 
value for money good" and that "significant progress" has been made since 
the Council's Corporate Inspection a year ago.

However, the report states that although there is some good practice in 
adult social care, the service needs to improve further.

The Audit Commission is responsible for ensuring public money is spent 
economically, efficiently, and effectively.  The evidence of significant 
improvement, published by the Audit Commission, is very strong reflecting 
the effective commitment to dealing with the issues raised in the Corporate 
Assessment.  Thus it is disappointing that the overall judgement is that the 
County Council is "improving adequately".

Acting Chief Executive, Gordon Jeyes, said "There is a great deal to be 
proud of in this assessment especially the level of improvement we have 
shown in meeting key Government targets.  We know we must step up the pace 
of improvement in adult social care and until we do that we will not be 
judged overall better than "improving adequately".  This is not to be unfair 
to Adult Services but we cannot, for several years, declare a service top 
priority and not make as much improvement as we would like and as people 
expect."

"However, that must not detract from the sustained improvement in many other 
areas especially services for children and working with others to address 
health inequalities."

Council Leader Keith Walters added "I am pleased with the recognition that 
real progress in performance has been achieved in the last year and that the 
report confirms that services are good value for money."

 John Reynolds