WEST Devon Borough Council's work to give rural communities better access to the services they need most has been recognised in an annual independent assessment of the authority by the Audit Commission.

The council's approach in helping its residents, particularly those in rural areas, to find and easily use the services they need has been commended by the commission. The council holds regular surgeries in eight towns and villages in the borough, called West Devon Connect and the service is being replicated by other councils in Devon.

The council also won praise for providing more affordable housing than any other district authority in Devon.

The commission says that, overall, the council is 'doing well in the areas local people think are priorities and delivering good and efficient services'.

It adds: 'The council has consistently delivered good services at low cost.'

The individual performance of the council is part of a Devon-wide 'One Place' assessment of the county's public sector authorities.

Overall, the borough and district councils, county council, and the police and fire authorities are awarded two green flags for their exceptional work in helping people tackle climate change, and supporting people affected by domestic violence. The green flags are awarded as examples of exceptional performance and innovation.

West Devon's success with recycling — latest figures show residents now recycle 43% of household waste — contributes to the green flag award for climate change. The council also helps those affected by domestic violence by making their homes more safe, a factor which secured another green flag.

Council leader Cllr James McInnes said: 'It is important that the council concentrates on what is important for local people. The fact that the Audit Commission inspectors recognise this is a real bonus.'

Areas of other good work by the council in the assessment include:

l Composting borough garden waste collections locally, supporting businesses in the area and saving on fuel emissions.

l Reducing the amount of waste it sends to landfill.

l Working with developers to deliver more than 100 new affordable homes every year.

l Preventing 167 cases of homelessness and encouraging small families in large houses to move and free up space for others.

l Working well with businesses to try to protect jobs in the recession, including producing a guide for businesses and residents to give them advice, and providing funding to the Citizens Advice Bureau to support people with money problems.

l Working well with police to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

l Awarding grants which give value for money for local projects such as play areas and village halls, and promoting healthy activities for all ages.

Improving services and saving money by sharing some senior officers and services with South Hams District Council also received praise.

The commission added that there were some areas to be improved. It said the borough was not as quick as some councils at deciding on housing benefit claims. Since the inspection in spring 2009, the council's benefits service has merged with South Hams District Council which has led to claims being speeded up.

The council could also do more to promote energy-reducing grants for residents.