Jobsgopublic News

Those working for a local authority in West Yorkshire are deemed to be offering an improving level of service.

Following an inspection by the Audit Commission, Wakefield metropolitan district council has seen its comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) increase from the three-star rating received in 2007 to currently stand at four stars.

Such a CPA ranking is the highest available from the commission.

Among the various areas the public sector body was praised for, its work with network partners was highlighted, something that Stephen Gregg, senior manager for the Audit Commission, claimed has helped to "improve the quality of life for people in the area".

In addition, Wakefield council received praise for having an understanding of the needs of local communities and tackling crime.

Creating jobs and boosting the local environment were two other areas of work in which the local authority received acclaim from inspectors.

However, this is not the first time that a council in West Yorkshire has been praised by the Audit Commission. In May 2008, Leeds city council was applauded for its work in improving social care services since its previous inspection.

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Corporate assessment inspectors from the Audit Commission have praised the strong focus of Reading borough council.

Those working for the public sector body were commended for their work in improving its understanding of different communities within the town and providing strong leadership.

Furthermore, the local authority’’s operations with network partners are helping to establish a long-term vision for the borough, as it was also applauded for its efforts in developing local employment opportunities and skills, something that could be of particular interest to those seeking work through a regional recruitment portal.

Elizabeth Hale, senior manager for the Audit Commission, pointed out Reading council "is ambitious for its communities and works effectively with partner organisations and the community to address important issues", adding there is "a positive foundation" for future improvements to be achieved.

Elsewhere in the south of England, the commission praised Sutton council last November for its working in increasing the supply of housing.

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The services being provided by those working for a public sector body in the north-west of England have received praise from the Audit Commission.

Inspectors from the commission’’s corporate assessment team have given Blackburn with Darwen council four stars - its highest possible rating - for its work in improving outcomes for children and young people in the area.

Furthermore, the local authority was praised for working well with network partners in providing opportunities for residents to access free leisure activities, in addition to making moves to get the long-term unemployed back into work.

Tom Keena, senior manager for the Audit Commission, said: "The council is providing strong and visionary leadership for local communities in difficult times."

In addition, the commission highlighted the council’’s work in reducing levels of crime, encouraging cohesion between communities and promoting business growth.

Elsewhere in the north-west, Lancashire county council was praised by the Audit Commission last year for "tackling the issues faced by local people".

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Those working for a local authority have been praised for the level of services which they offer residents.

Inspectors from the Audit Commission have given Wirral council two stars out of a possible three for the access to services it provides local people.

This has seen the public sector body said to be performing to a "good" level, while it has "promising prospects for improvement".

Peter Forrester, senior manager for the Audit Commission, claimed that the council "provides good access to services that are responsive and are based on an understanding of users” needs", adding that its work with network partners is "strong".

Among the other areas that the local authority was said to be performing strongly in include engaging with people and its provision of one-stop shops where residents can receive face-to-face advice on the public services that it offers.

Last month, the commission’’s corporate assessment team awarded Middlesbrough council four stars - its highest possible rating - for the role it has played in the town’’s economic development.

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The strategic housing services provided by a local authority in the West Midlands have been singled out for praise.

According to the Audit Commission, those working for Birmingham city council offer a "good" level of service in terms of meeting the city’’s housing requirements.

Consequently, it was given two stars from a possible three, in addition to being deemed as having "excellent" prospects for improvements in the future, news that could well be taken into consideration by those searching for work through a regional recruitment portal.

Deborah Good, acting head of housing for the Audit Commission in the central region, said: "The council clearly recognises the importance of housing in achieving its vision for the city."

She added that the authority’’s "well-developed services" are helping to prevent rising levels of homelessness, while the council was also praised for understanding the needs of different communities in Birmingham.

Last November, the commission praised east Midlands-based Newark and Sherwood Homes for its high levels of customer satisfaction.

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