Highest-possible audit score for authority

Jan 31 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

IN THE wake of Liverpool City Council being labelled worst in the country for the way it spends money, another Merseyside authority has won praise.

The Audit Commission has given Knowsley the highest possible overall score.

Overall, Knowsley came 28th out of 388 authorities. In comparison to all other metropolitan authorities, the council ranked 6th.

All local authorities are running services on tighter budgets, yet Knowsley has had the lowest Council Tax in Merseyside for six years while still investing in service improvements.

Councillor Norman Keats, Knowsley’s cabinet member for finance, said: “We’re delighted: this shows the commitment of councillors and staff to achieving value for money. ”