Sefton Council: Improving

Feb 7 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

SEFTON Council was the only authority in the North West to improve its rating to the maximum score, according to the Audit Commission.

In the publication of the CPA today the council jumped from three star rating in 2006 to four stars.

The Audit Commission’s report into the council highlights a number of schemes and services in Sefton which have improved the lives of residents.

The council is also praised for achieving good value for money.

“It is planning effectively for the future and a major service review designed to reduce costs and improve services is progressing well,” stated the report.

Chief executive of Sefton Council, Graham Haywood, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Sefton has been awarded its four-star status. It is a great tribute to the fantastic amount of work we have put in, particularly over the last two or three years, where we have moved from a two star to a four star, which is probably one of the best improvements in the country.

“Now the challenge is to stay in the top bracket.”

Cllr Tony Robertson, leader of Sefton Council, added: “Being a four-star authority is not just about wearing a badge of honour or having another tick in the box, it is proof and reassurance that we are delivering for our residents.”