Maidenhead & Windsor

The Maidenhead Royal Borough has been given the thumbs up for the way it is performing, with three stars in the annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) published by the Audit Commission.

The Commission's 2006 results published today (Thursday February 22) say the council is improving well, demonstrates a three star overall performance and provides good value for money – with efficiency savings over twice the government target.

Examples of the Maidenhead council's progress include:

* improved performance across most priority areas

* continued improvement in school results, building on already high standards

* improved social care services with innovative use of direct payments

* improved planning, recycling and transport services – and cleaner streets

* the positive recovery of the benefits service

* efficiency savings over twice the government target, thanks to a programme of service reviews and procurement improvements

* increased developer funding for infrastructure improvements

* improved user satisfaction for most services.

The report highlights the changes Maidenhead council continues to make to increase its ability to improve, for example through the developing medium term financial strategy.

There is praise too for the Delivering Excellence modernisation programme, which has led to better methods of purchasing goods and services, the opening of the customer service centre, the launch of a new website and a stronger approach to diversity and equality.

Council leader Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten said this was a satisfying annual report and confirmation that the borough was 'travelling in the right direction'.

She added: "The Audit Commission's report confirms that the borough is improving well and that, with efficiency savings more than twice the government target, we are giving our residents good value for money. Our emphasis is on making the organisation as efficient and cost-effective as possible to ensure that resources are directed to where they are needed most.

"There are consistently good scores across the majority of services looked at by the Commission and recognition too for the hard work and investment through the Delivering Excellence programme that has enabled the council to meet the demands on our services by an increasingly discerning local population."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead