Residents in Islington are getting 'good' services, and have a local council that is continuing to 'improve well' while listening to them, according to national scoreboards out today (7 February 2008).<br><br>Islington Council has been given the second highest possible rating by the Audit Commission in it's Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) for the third year running. This is despite the CPA becoming a harder test each year.<br><br>This means the council's overall rating is three star or 'good', and some council services were judged to be excellent. The council scored higher than ever before for its handling of finances. It's work to help vulnerable people was also highlighted, with adult social care a top performing service. <br><br>There have also been more positive trends in services for children and young people. This year there was a huge increase in the number of pupils achieving good results in national currlculum tests at the end of primary school. There has also been a significant 18 per cent increase in the number of Black or Minority Ethnic pupils achieving 5 or more A*-C at GCSE. <br><br>Particular praise was also given to the strength of the council's work with local partners, for example, it's successful work with the police to help cut crime rates. Also, with housing associations to build more affordable homes and to get more Islington families off the waiting list. <br><br>Cllr James Kempton, Leader of Islington Council said, "I'm pleased that the independent Audit Commission has again given us the thumbs up. I often hear from residents these days that the council is getting better and continuing to improve. And the Audit Commission has confirmed it.<br><br>"This year particularly there has been a marked improvement in the way we manage resident's money and council resouces more generally. In fact the auditors have judged that we are managing money better than ever before, especially when it comes to providing value for money. Our policy of cutting out waste and red tape, while improving services really seems to be paying off".<br><br>There are still some areas the council needs to improve in and has robust plans to do so. These include Environment and Housing, where these are some challenges to overcome in the way the council collects statistical data. <br><br>Cllr Marisha Ray, Executive Member for Performance, said: "We work with everyone supplying public services in Islington to make real improvements together. It's great that this is recognised. We're just as committed to the things that matter to local people and that make Islington special - we know it's not always easy to capture this in CPA."<br><br>ENDS<br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009