Kirklees is the second top performing council in the country

Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire is the second top performing local council in the country, having gained the highest star rating by the 'public watchdog' Audit Commission for the services it provides to local residents.

The council has been given the top 'four star' rating and been described by the Audit Commission as performing well or strongly in all areas they reviewed. Councils across the country are judged in five categories and only Westminster City Council in London tops Kirklees' overall performance rating in those categories as a whole.

The categories are ambition, achievement, capacity, priorities, and performance management.

In one of the categories capacity Kirklees is the only council in country to get a top four star rating. This category covers the role that councillors have in the running of the council, quality of leadership both at political and manager level, planning the workforce for the future, and the detailed knowledge the council has of its communities.

Leader of the Council Cllr Robert Light praised the hard work, commitment and dedication of the council's workforce for the council's top 'premier league' status among the country's leading local authorities.

Cllr Light said: "This is a fantastic result for the council as a whole from the government's independent 'public watchdog' organisation. It is a proud day for all concerned - staff, partners and councillors and all organisations which help us provide vital services for our local communities.

"It is a team effort that keeps this council as a leader in the field of providing top quality services, with a workforce and partners deeply committed to the services provided to local residents and communities.

"I would like to thank our workforce, our partners, and all councillors for the crucial part they have played.

"But we are not complacent, and we have an ambitious and innovative programme to get even better. That is what we must always strive to do. There will be no resting on laurels, but a commitment to do even better, and provide even better services for our residents.

"Being the only council to get a top rating for capacity is particularly significant in terms of endorsement by the Audit Commission that we can achieve our ambitions to build on what they acknowledge as being a strong council providing quality services.

"I cannot overstate the importance of the council's workforce in achieving this result, and our reliance on them to maintain our position as a top performing council in this country.

"We have an excellent and exceptional workforce and today's announcement by the Audit Commission confirms that. I hope that residents and those who use our services will acknowledge and share that view."

In its report the Audit Commission said the council was performing strongly, had effective leadership, reliable systems and strong working partnerships that were meeting the challenges being faced, and delivering good services to local people.

The report said: "The council and its partners can be confident that they are targeting the right things because they have an extensive and impressive knowledge of their communities. Rigorous, up-to-date research, combined with regular in-depth consultation, feeds an excellent understanding of local needs and aspirations."

It said achieving political consensus the council has no overall political control was impressive and community leadership excellent. "Councillors provide effective leadership in their wards and through area committees. Cabinet members are good community champions for their portfolio areas. There is strong leadership around very challenging ambitions for community cohesion, green living, young people and a strong economy.

"The council is an effective ambassador for the area, working hard to secure external funds and raising the profile and increasing understanding about Kirklees communities.


"The council listens and responds. It provides a good range of opportunities for local people to have their say, consulting on its plans and engaging communities in setting priorities.
"Engagement with older people is good. The needs and aspirations of young people are at the centre of planning for services. People living in rural areas have a strong voice.

"The council communicates openly and honestly with the public about its plans and about how it is performing. It secures the support and confidence of the majority of residents.

"Political and managerial leadership is strong, visible and inspiring. The council has the capacity to deliver its ambitions. Sound financial management directs resources to priorities and enables a flexible response to changing needs.

"Robust frameworks are bringing results. Crime and anti-social behaviour are reducing. Health is improving. Social, economic and physical regeneration is transforming towns and neighbourhoods.

"Residents and customers have better access to information and services especially in rural areas. Local transport is improving to the better satisfaction of users. The council maintains good quality urban environments and preserves beautiful rural landscapes.

"There is outstanding performance on green issues. The council's long-standing commitment to green policies is benefiting residents as the cost of energy rises. It is reducing its carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy."