Comprehensive Performance Assessment for Blackpool Council, Labour's Achievement

The Audit Commission in their Comprehensive Performance Assessment have scored the Council for 2006 under Labour as "improving strongly" and demonstrating a "Three Star" overall performance.  The Council's "Direction of Travel" compared with other local authorities placed us in the top 8% of Councils in this category.

The Three Star rating means that (in The Audit Commission's terms) Blackpool Council under Labour was:

        "Performing well - consistently above minimum requirements"

They went on to say in their Report published on 20 February 2007:

        "DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
         The pace of movement is accelerating as plans and investments start to pay off.  In 2005-2006 
         most national indicators improved with an increasing number in the top performing band.  There
         are significantly better outcomes for children and vulnerable adults.  Educational attainment has
         substantially improved.  Partnerships are improving quality of life.  Crime is reducing with good
         impact on drug misuse.  Neighbourhood action is increasing community involvement and
         reducing anti-social behaviour in the poorest areas.  Health is improving in previously intractable
         areas including suicide rates and teenage pregnancies.  Regeneration plans are progressing with
         major projects delivered.  The Council is tackling homelessness and addressing housing market
         failure.  The Council achieves value for money despite high levels of need.  Strengthened 
         financial management is improving budgetary control and forward planning.  Community
         engagement is improving rapidly.  Connections with minority groups are strengthening through a
         revised approach to equalities and diversity.  The Council has raised the aspirations of local
         people.  Public satisfaction is growing.  Far-reaching ambitions rely on successful partnerships.  
         Performance and project management of joint work needs strengthening.  Work is needed to
         build financial capacity and mitigate significant financial risks.

As the Cabinet Member then responsible for the direction of the Council's Culture and Leisure Department, I was delighted that the hardwork of officers and staff across all our disciplines over recent years had resulted in the Audit Commission's awarding the Council a "Four Star" cultural services assessment.

This meant we were adjudged to be : "performing strongly - well above minimum requirements

David Owen