Council and democracy > Performance >

External Review

The Audit Commission is an independent body responsible for ensuring that
public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively, to achieve
high-quality local services for the public. Their remit covers around 11,000 bodies
in England, which between them spend more than £180 billion of public money
each year. Their work covers local government, health, housing, community safety
and fire and rescue services.

As an independent watchdog, they provide important information on the quality of
public services. As a driving force for improvement in those services, we provide
practical recommendations and spread best practice. As an independent auditor,
they ensure that public services are good value for money and that public money is
properly spent.

This report provides an overall summary of the Audit Commission's assessment
of the Council, drawing on audit, inspection and performance assessment work
and is prepared by your Relationship Manager.

In this report, the Commission summarises findings and conclusions from the
statutory audit, which have previously been reported to you by your appointed
auditor. Appointed auditors act separately from the Commission and, in meeting
their statutory responsibilities, are required to exercise their professional
judgement independently of the Commission (and the audited body). The findings
and conclusions therefore remain those of the appointed auditor and should be
considered within the context of the Statement of Responsibilities of Auditors and
Audited Bodies issued by the Audit Commission.

2007 Inspection Letter

2007 Judgement