Northampton Borough Council 'Improving' under Lib Dems

11.40.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 20th Apr 2008

Tony Woods, Leader Northampton BC

The Audit Commission, the independent body that checks on the performance of local councils, says of Lib Dem controlled Northampton Borough Council,"Over the last year the Council has begun to move forward with a more coherent focus". They praise the improved political and strategic leadership that is being delivered by the Liberal Democrat administration since taking over in May 2008.

Tony Woods, Leader of Northampton Borough Council, receiving the report, said, "It would be easy to start patting ourselves on the back about how the inspectors have seen real progress. And to tell the truth, I am delighted that our benefits service and planning department is now seen as performing on a par with the best in the country - all down to the hard work and commitment of the people working in those areas.

"But we must not overlook the areas that still need improvement. The inspection is an honest assessment of where we currently stand, and we need to respond by taking action to sustain the improvements we have made so far while strengthening the weak areas.

"I want to see improvements across the whole council. You deserve a high performing council that is recognised as among the best in the country.

"Unfortunately there isn't a quick fix."

As always with this Lib Dem administration, realism with a steely determination to improve.