Wigan in council finance 'super league' » Local Government » 24dash.com

Metro finance bosses were celebrating today after learning that Wigan is one of just two councils in the north west to have scored top marks for the way they manage their resources.

Public service watchdog the Audit Commission has given Wigan a 4 - the highest score possible - for its financial management and value for money.

Across the region only St Helens did as well, and Wigan is in the top ten per cent of larger councils nationally.

The commission's annual assessment of 150 single tier and county councils' use of resources was published today (Friday 12 January).

Council leader Peter Smith said: "This is excellent news. For Wigan to be rated so highly puts us in very select company, a super league of councils when it comes to financial management.

"It's good news for the council but most of all it's good news for the council tax payer because it shows they are getting good value and an excellent service. They have the right to know that public money is being managed efficiently in Wigan and this report from the Audit Commission is a ringing endorsement of that fact."

Director of Finance David Smith said: "The result is a tribute to all the hard work across the council by employees and councillors.  Particular strengths were our system of internal financial control and our financial management. 

"In particular the work of the Audit, Governance and Improvement Review Committee, internal audit and risk management and our systems of finance and budgeting were singled out as examples of notable practice."

The report says: "Wigan Council achieves good value for money. It is a relatively low spending council and delivers generally good outcomes

"The council has clearly demonstrated a sound basis for its medium-term financial strategy, budgets and capital programme which are designed to deliver its strategic priorities.

"Cost reductions are being secured whilst service performance is at least maintained.

"The Council actively promotes probity and propriety in the conduct of its business and can demonstrate a strong counter fraud culture and high ethical standards. Improvements in risk management have continued to be embedded throughout the organisation."

The 'Use of Resources' judgements will provide important evidence for the new council performance league tables being announced next month by the Audit Commission. Wigan is hoping to hold onto its four star excellent rating.