Reading Borough Council is `performing well’ and has been praised by independent inspectors for supporting the local economy well and showing good leadership during the recession.
This year the Audit Commission has introduced a new way of rating the performance of public sector agencies in an area called a Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA). Each public sector organisation is assessed on its services and use of resources under the generic banner of an `organisational assessment’.
CAA – now branded`Oneplace’ – not only rates the performance of the local council but also looks at how well all local public services – like police, fire brigade and health – are working together and meeting the needs of the people they serve.
An independent team of assessors placed Reading BC in the second highest category – `performing well.’
The Oneplace report states: `The Council delivers good and improving outcomes for most of its priority services. It is tackling economic and social deprivation, is improving the environmental sustainability of Reading, and is aware of where it needs to improve in future.’
It goes on to state: `The Council has responded well to help local people affected by the economic recession. Council tenants are offered detailed advice on benefit entitlement, personal financial management and, if necessary, debt advice.’
Other highlights of the Reading CAA report include:
- Recycling rates are improving and waste going to landfill is expected to be cut substantially
– Museums, parks and open spaces are well used and liked by the public
– The council has supported building new homes, many of which are affordable and energy efficiency in homes is good
– The council is working well with partners to tackle some of the causes of health inequalities. This has seen a cut in teenage pregnancies and a rise in disadvantaged and vulnerable people taking part in sport
– There is better access to services for drug and alcohol misusers
– Nurseries are very good and childminders better than average
– Most children and young people `get off to a good start’ and enjoy good health
Inspectors gave the Reading council a ‘Green Flag’, which highlights major achievements and innovation, in recognition of the work being done to encourage more use of public transport and cut congestion. They also highlighted the good work being done to tackle social and economic deprivation and the work to promote understanding among people of different faiths.
The council did not receive any ‘red flags’ which are given when major improvement action is needed.
The inspectors also looked at the work the council does with the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) with representatives from a wide range of organisations including the police, voluntary and community groups and local businesses.
The report noted that street cleaning could be improved but also states that `standards are improving’ as a result of increased resources.
Elizabeth Hale, Oneplace spokesperson for Reading, said: "Much is being done to effectively tackle many of Reading’s issues and to support long-term development. Public transport is good and is reducing congestion in the town. The number of teenagers becoming pregnant is falling, crime levels also fell last year, and people are being supported through the recession with debt advice and help to claim benefits. Crime, and the perception of crime and anti-social behaviour, continues to be an important issue for residents. Work is being done to reduce some of the inequalities in Reading – such as encouraging healthier lifestyles – but showing the results of this work is often difficult."
Reading Borough Council Leader Jo Lovelock said: "I am pleased that independent inspectors have judged Reading Borough Council to be "performing well". This new broader inspection is also a recognition of the well developed partnership working that we have in Reading. I would particularly like to thank all public sector employees whose hard work all year round ensures that public services in Reading are improving all the time. While being pleased that there are no "red flags", there are nevertheless issues mentioned in the report which we already know we need to do further work on and I am never complacent. The Council and the other services will now develop an action plan to bring about further improvements."
Reading Borough Council
