Bury gains a star as new report praises Council's progress

Published by Tony C for Audit Commission in Local Government

Bury Council is performing well, according to an independent report released by the Audit Commission. The progress noted in the new report lifts the Councils overall star rating from two to three-stars.

The inspectors found that the Council and its partners have established clear ambitions for Bury and that they are working effectively together to improve the quality of life.

Local people recognise the Council's effectiveness and this is reflected in improved levels of satisfaction. Its achievements reflect a focus on integrating the social, economic and environmental regeneration of the borough.

James Foster, Audit Commission senior manager, said: The Council and its partners have established and articulated clear ambitions for Bury that focus on people and place. The Council and its partners in Team Bury are resolute in their pursuit of these ambitions. Together they are making noticeable improvements in regenerating the six townships within Bury and in areas which matter the most to local people such as the
quality of the local environment and community safety.

The inspectors found that:

• Ambitions are translated into priorities, actions and targets through the community strategy, the local area agreement and the Councils strategic plan.
• Partnership working is strong and this ensures clear linkages between the Councils priorities and that of its partners.
• The Council provides good leadership in and beyond Bury.
• The Council has a strong focus on value for money and through robust financial planning it has ensured that resources follow priorities.
• The corporate performance management framework provides an open approach to challenging performance.
• Overall resident satisfaction with the Council has improved together with most services.
• The Council is part way through a major programme of regeneration and is committed to making the borough an attractive place to live and improving the local economy while recognising the importance of good public transport links with Manchester.

To help the Council to build on its success, the inspectors made a number of recommendations. These include:

• The Council should ensure performance management is underpinned by greater clarity as to how corporate targets are cascaded into service plans and strategies, and more robust action planning.
• The Council should continue to support councillors in embracing their new roles through more targeted support and responding to identified development needs.
• The Council should strengthen its approach to workforce planning and finalise workforce plans in all services.

Following publication of the report the Council will plan what it needs to do to further improve its services to meet the changing needs of its residents. Copies of the report are available from Bury Council or from the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports