Auditors confirm council is on right track

TheCroydonVoice · Site Admin Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 3

The traditional end-of-year report provides a summary of the independent watchdog's assessment of the council's performance. It draws on findings and conclusions from the regular audit of council activity and from a wider analysis of how the council's improvements have been measured through the ongoing Comprehensive Performance Assessment framework.

In their conclusion, the auditors say Croydon is continuing to improve well, has improved its financial position and is delivering value for money.

As a cautionary note, however, the auditors have called on the council to maintain its 'robust financial management' to ensure that balances and reserves are kept at an adequate level. Additionally, they have called for action in areas where they say performance needs to improve, such as recycling, leisure and crime.

Said deputy council leader Steve O'Connell: "We are happy with the Audit Commission's verdict and pleased to be able to report that during the last 12 months we have made even more progress, especially in those areas where the auditors had said attention was required. Our leisure strategy will ensure the borough has three more brand new pools as well as the refurbished one in South Norwood. We've announced a succession of new recycling initiatives to make it easier than ever to avoid wasting waste. And in crime, we have just enjoyed the best 12 months performance of falling crime that anyone can remember."

Councillor O'Connell said the main value of the Audit Commission's annual audit and inspection letter is that it provides a thoroughly independent review of the council's performance.

"This is not the council saying 'we're doing ok'. It's an authoritative external source who know what they are looking for and have the ability to compare Croydon with other councils. Their assessment, especially in all areas of financial management - the essential cornerstone of the council's activities - is gratifying. They know we are pursuing a fair funding deal with the Government but recognise that even though Croydon is poorly funded in comparison with other boroughs, the council's costs are relatively low. There's recognition for addressing under-performance, for achieving efficiency savings targets, for building up balances and for securing a much more healthy pension position.

"All in all, the auditors recognise Croydon is moving in the right direction - and that has to be good news for all local taxpayers."

For more info: http://www.croydon.gov.uk/democracy/councilnews/2896