FINANCE WATCHDOG PRAISES COUNTY COUNCIL

Hampshire County Council has received a glowing report from the Government's financial watchdog in his annual report.

The District Auditor's inspection letter said: "The County Council has continued to deliver high quality services in priority areas, has achieved high levels of public satisfaction with performance and has been categorised as excellent as a result of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) process."

Despite an extremely demanding year with continuing financial pressures the watchdog said the council had responded positively to major national challenges and initiatives. These included the revision of the Corporate Strategy that sets out the County Council's aims and objectives and the signing of a Public Service Agreement with Government that sets stretching targets in return for financial rewards and organisational change.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "The auditor said our 'excellent' CPA rating for the way we serve local people is supported by solid building blocks for future improvement. It's reassuring for the auditor to tell us we're on the right track.

"We know we can do even better and recognise the small number of areas where we can take further action. We will be addressing those issues over the coming year.

"I would like to congratulate all staff and thank them for their hard work and commitment in maintaining standards and improving services. The County Council is committed to continuing to provide quality services and aims to provide council tax payers with best value for money, despite losing £48 million in Government grant over the next three years."

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Vanessa Burton 01962 847367
4 March 2003
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