ARCHIVED news story
South Norfolk joins England's elite of excellent councils
Released on 12 February 2008
South Norfolk is now officially the top-rated Council in Norfolk and I'd like to pay tribute to the staff and councillors who can be proud of this magnificent achievement
Council Leader John Fuller
South Norfolk Council is among the best-performing councils in England, according to the Audit Commission.
The Commission has unveiled its scores for Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA), the rigorous national league table of councils' performance, and has announced that South Norfolk is an Excellent Council.
South Norfolk joins only six other councils out of a total of 44 in East Anglia, which are marked as excellent by the Audit Commission.
Councillor John Fuller, the Leader of South Norfolk Council said:
"We're all thrilled that South Norfolk now joins the premier league of Councils officially recognised as having a proven ability to deliver for residents at a price they can afford.
"South Norfolk is now officially the top-rated Council in Norfolk and I'd like to pay tribute to the staff and councillors who can be proud of this magnificent achievement.
"We were confident of receiving top-marks from the inspectors but it's always pleasing to have your hopes confirmed."
Councillor Murray Gray, Leader of the Opposition at South Norfolk Council said:
"I am delighted by, and very proud of, the significant achievements made by the Council during the assessment period from 2003 to 2007. The recognition given by this 'Excellent' grading and the accompanying report is a great tribute to the work of staff and councillors during this period, and I congratulate them all."
In 2003, at the request of the council, it was inspected by the Commission and marked "Good". Last year's inspection was again at the request of the council and this time is was found to be excellent.
The much sought after inspection result - the top grading for a local council - follows hard work by staff, managers and partners to progressively push up standards and deliver excellent and improving services to local people.
Council Chief Executive Geoff Rivers said:
“It's great news for the Council and its partner agencies. It will put a spring in our stride as we move forward to area inspections in 2009."
The CPA process was launched in 2003, and it benchmarks local authorities across England. Each is scored on the quality of its services and on its ability to improve.
The Council's Benefits Service was singled out for praise by CPA inspectors in their report. It is considered the best in the country (please see news release link).
The Council's Revenues Service has also been awarded three consecutive Charter Marks. It is currently awaiting the official announcement of whether it has been awarded a fourth.
The Excellence rating for South Norfolk also now sits alongside other successes for the Council - including Beacon Status for its pioneering work with young people and Investors in People accreditation.
The CPA Excellence achievement by South Norfolk Council means it will now have the benefit of a minimal inspection regime by the Audit Commission, allowing staff and resources to focus even more on continuing to provide excellent services for local people.
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Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Communications Team |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | communicationsteam@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533611 or 01508 533983 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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