Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has an above-average number of top performing services and has retained its three stars in the annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) published by the Audit Commission.

The Commission's 2007 results published on Thursday February 7 highlight not only that priority services are improving well but also that the council's value for money is good overall.

Windsor and Maidenhead Services singled out for praise include:

* education and children's services – high standard and improving
* recycling – high and improving
* adult social care and community safety – good and improving
* street cleaning – improved sharply.

The CPA commends the council for its good community leadership and its work with partner organisations.

Overall the Audit Commission says the Royal Borough is improving adequately but points to the new administration's commitment to further improvement through better performance and project management and stronger financial planning.

Areas needing further development include: Windsor and Maidenhead housing benefits, planning application decisions (although overall these exceed national targets) and supporting people services. The report says: "These services have progressed in 2007 and plans for further improvements are on track, but further focus is needed on them."

Cllr David Burbage, council leader, said: "We are generally pleased with the Audit Commission's report. There is well-deserved praise for a number of services that are a priority for our residents – for example community safety, street cleaning and recycling – and useful feedback about services where we are already working hard to bring about further improvements.

"There is a shared commitment among elected members and staff across the council to provide high quality local services. I have already asked for reports on those areas that need improvement to ensure that the borough provides even better services for all residents in future months and years."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead