West Berkshire Council gets three stars from the Audit Commission

West Berkshire Council has been awarded three stars and rated as improving strongly in the latest Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) by the Audit Commission.

The report states that the Council continues to build on the "positive momentum created in recent years" and finds that services "have improved faster than comparable councils."

Social Care and Environment services were judged to be performing strongly and received the highest possible rating, while there were also improved ratings for Housing and Benefits Services.

The way the Council manages its finances was also found to be good, with value for money receiving a top rating and a consistent performance overall compared to previous years.

Anthony Stansfeld, West Berkshire Executive Councillor for Strategy and Performance said: "I am pleased that this report recognises the Council's continuing efforts to improve. It is especially good that areas such as waste which were identified as weaknesses in the last report have been highlighted as performing strongly this time. This is as a result of the introduction of the new integrated waste contract which as seen recycling rates improve significantly across the district."

Issued on 5 March 2009 by West Berkshire Council