STAFF and members of West Devon Borough Council are this week celebrating, following confirmation it has received a 'good' rating by local government watchdog The Audit Commission.
The Commission's report, unveiled today (Thursday), follows a detailed inspection in June. The process is part of the Government-led Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) which will give every council in the country one of five ratings — excellent, good, fair, weak or poor.
West Devon was one of the first district councils in the country to undergo the exhaustive inspection — unitary authorities were examined last year.
The Audit Commission found the council was successful in providing high quality, cost effective services and was in the top 25% nationally for more than half of those services. It was among the best performing councils nationally for recycling with more than 20% of household waste now being recycled.
The report stated the council was 'very good' at managing its finances and setting budgets, while making a positive contribution to national and local priorities, including community safety and economic prosperity. It had also provided strong community leadership on issues important to local people, including the foot and mouth crisis of two years ago and the building of flood defences in North Tawton earlier this year.
The Commission report did find areas for improvement. It stated the council should be more ambitious in responding to the needs of particular groups and should work harder to provide affordable housing and better leisure provision for its residents.
Cllr Peter Hill, mayor of West Devon, said the council was 'delighted' with the inspection result.
'I would like to congratulate West Devon Council's staff, councillors and all our partners for their continuing hard work to make sure the borough serves its residents well.
'However, we are not resting on our laurels. Work has already begun on our improvement plan and we are determined to do even better in future, to improve the quality of life for the people living and working in West Devon.'