Tougher test but ‘Two Star’ Lambeth continues to shine

Lambeth Council continues to be one of London's fastest improving local authorities, despite this year's new, tougher Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) by the Audit Commission.

The dramatic turnaround at Lambeth has once again been recognised by the Audit Commission who on Thursday 15 December awarded Lambeth a two-star rating. Lambeth's continuing improvement means that its two star rating is the equivalent of ‘fair’ plus under the old system.

It is the second year in a row Lambeth has moved up a category and, in the words of the Audit Commission, “Lambeth is improving well”.

Not only have Government inspectors acknowledged the improvements made at Lambeth, but also the recent Residents Survey shows Lambeth residents also recognise the improvements being made to frontline services.

Lambeth Council now intends to continue to provide better schools, safer streets and a cleaner and greener environment as it strives to become a three-star Council when next year's CPA results are announced. Already the recycling service is achieving collection rates higher than Government targets.

The leap in Lambeth's CPA score is testament to the huge amount of effort and determination across the Council and by elected councillors to provide better services for its residents.

Interim Chief Executive Andrew Webster said: "I'm delighted that all the hard work Lambeth staff and elected members have put in over the past couple of years continues to be recognised. It is particularly pleasing as it follows a very positive Residents Survey which shows a big increase in the number of people who think the Council is providing good services.

"The challenge now is to continue that level of improvement and to deliver even better services for Lambeth residents."

The Audit Commission issued a 180-word statement outlining key factors, achievements and progress for every council it assessed. This is what they have to say about Lambeth.

“The Council is delivering improvements across the majority of service areas. Over 65 per cent of performance indicators have improved since 2002/03 and educational achievements, benefits, waste collection, recycling and the looked after children’s services have all improved.

“Good progress has been made on meeting government targets on accessing services electronically. Areas requiring further improvement include housing, which remains high spending, and a continued emphasis on value for money.

“Joint community outcomes on reducing street crime and drug treatment programmes are bringing positive results through multi agency working, although crime is still high.

“The ambitious ‘Revitalise’ programme to deliver regeneration remains on target and funding is in place for two city academies.

“Access to services has been further enhanced by opening a central service centre and multi-agency service centres are due to be rolled out across the Borough during 2006.

“The Council has robust plans to monitor and report progress on its ‘improvement plan’. Whilst the management capacity to deliver plans is currently in place, this needs to be maintained to continue the strong progress Lambeth Council is making.”

Lambeth Council Leader Peter Truesdale said: "It is good to have the improvements at Lambeth recognised - more are on the way."

Deputy Leader John Whelan added: "The contrast with four years ago could not be more stark. By late 2001 the Council was heading for bankruptcy with several key services, including community safety and planning, on special measures. With a Chief Executive arriving in early March we are ready for the next big push to improve public services for the whole community in this most diverse of London boroughs."

Each year the Audit Commission produces a national league table of council performance through the CPA, measuring each council’s ability to plan, manage and deliver core services and how well they offer value for money.

In October 2005, the Audit Commission introduced the CPA ‘Harder Test’. This new approach gives a more complete picture to service users and taxpayers and help councils to make continuous improvements.

The new harder test now also includes a Direction of Travel assessment (see attachment) that seeks to recognise progress achieved over previous years and highlight whether a council is complying with its duty to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement.

While the main assessment looks at how well a council is performing, the new Direction of Travel Assessment also takes into consideration progress that has been made in the years leading up to the assessment and whether or not a council is likely to continue to improve.

Also new this year is the star rating, ranging from zero stars for the worst performers to four stars for the most accomplished councils.

More information about how we are working to improve our services can be found at our 'Improving Lambeth' page.