Audit shows NNDC is moving forward

North Norfolk District Council got more efficient and improved its performance in priority areas last year, while keeping service costs down, according to the Audit Commission in its annual inspection report.

The Annual Audit and Inspection Letter - the Audit Commission's report into council performance and finance - found that "the Council made proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources for the year ending 31 March, 2007." The report said: "Improved IT and different ways of working have resulted in better access, speed and quality of service to customers."

"Service costs," the Audit Commission said, "are generally at or below the average for district councils". It found that 41 per cent of NNDC's indicators were in the top 25 per cent of performance, far above the national average for district councils (which is 33 per cent of indicators being in the top quartile).

The report did, however, say that "performance is currently weak regarding equality and diversity issues" and noted that the Council's business continuity plan was still under development at the year end. Nevertheless, the Audit Letter said the Council's arrangements for ensuring a sound financial standing 'operate well' and it manages business risks adequately.

Philip Burton, NNDC's Chief Executive, said: "This report reflects the financial position a year ago, but also uses service indicators that show we have improved even further in 2007/08."

He explained: "We now have a business continuity plan, we have improved our corporate understanding of equality and diversity issues (and continue to do so), and we have begun a review of our partnerships with a view to managing business risks even more robustly.

"The Council had a Comprehensive Performance Assessment in 2003, when we were assessed as 'fair'. We believe we would be ranked as at least 'good' if we were assessed now. What's really encouraging, though, is the recognition of our focus on the issues that are important to local people, and the strength of our partnerships. A new inspection regime - Comprehensive Area Assessments - takes the place of CPA this year. The CAA regime will focus more on how likely we (and other organisations in our District) are to meet the needs of residents in the future, rather than looking backwards. We, too, want to look forwards, and the Audit Letter shows we can do so with confidence."

To see the Audit Letter in full, visit: www.audit-commission.gov.uk

ENDS