AUDITORS have praised West Devon Borough Council and given four green lights for its financial resilience – something few councils achieve.

The respected firm, Grant Thornton, assessed the council's financial performance, governance, control and strategic planning in a report published last month.

The council was awarded green lights in all areas and commended on its arrangements for securing financial resilience.

In the report, Grant Thornton stated:'Very few councils receive a green light in all the areas assessed.

'The council should be held up as best practice in many areas for the way that shared services have been undertaken, using a pragmatic approach ie, an evolutionary approach rather than radical change.'

The borough council saves £600,000 per year by sharing services with South Hams District Council.

Cllr Debo Sellis, chairman of the council's audit committee, said: 'To get four green lights from the auditors in such a tough financial climate is a real achievement. The report by Grant Thornton is evidence that the council is doing its very best to secure a stable financial position despite the challenges. I would like to personally thank the finance team for all their hard-work.'