Chorley Council - Performing Excellently
IT'S official - local people in Chorley are getting the most cost-effective and high quality services from their local authority after Chorley Council was recognised as the top scoring council in the country in a new assessment from the independent Audit Commission.
Out of over 300 councils across England, Chorley Council has been recognised nationally as leading the way in delivering a wide range of high-quality services that address local issues.
In the 
Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA), independent inspectors gave Chorley Council the highest score possible with particular praise and top marks for how the Council uses and manages its costs and how it delivers it services.
The report also praised the authority for delivering priorities that local people have identified as important issues for the borough and said the "Council is achieving excellent outcomes" for residents.
Councillor Peter Goldsworthy, Leader of Chorley Council, said he was delighted the authority had been recognised as the top scoring council in the country.
He added: "We are dedicated to provide the people we serve with the services they want to the highest standards and lowest cost we can. It's fantastic to get this recognition, particularly because it acknowledges the improvements we've made for local people and takes into account their opinions.
"I am delighted that Chorley Council has been awarded the highest score possible and this is down to the fact that every one in the Council pulls together to deliver the best possible service for local people. I'd like to thank all of the staff, councillors and partners for their effort and achievements."
The Audit Commission report, published today (Wednesday, December 9), commended the authority for delivering high-quality services and leading an effective response to the recession. It said that Chorley is a clean and safe place where people get on well together and help each other by volunteering to work in the community. The report also praised the Council for managing performance with crime and teenage conception rates falling.
The report states: "The Council has a clear vision for the borough which has been developed by working closely with local people and communities. It has an excellent understanding of their needs, what services they want and how they want to receive them. By delivering services, often in partnership with other providers, the Council is achieving excellent outcomes."
Coun Goldsworthy added: "Now we have reached the top we intend to stay there. We shall be looking to continually improve our services and keep Council Tax increases to an absolute minimum. The report sets out how we're delivering local services on your behalf and we won't stop trying to improve. We are a listening Council and we'll continue to take on board any concerns, issues and ideas people have."
CAA is the new way council performance is being assessed and the replaces the Audit Commission's 'stars' rating. The new approach takes a detailed look at how well the Council manages its performance and whether it makes the best use of Council Tax. It also incorporates new measures like how well a council looks after its resources.
To read the CAA report in full and for information and access to the Council's services please log onto www.chorley.gov.ukLocal people can now also find out more about how public services are tackling the issues in their area by logging onto www.oneplace.direct.gov.uk
