Star-stuck council’s slow going

Stuck at two stars —that’s the rating for Oldham Council, the same for the past four years.

Slow progress means the borough is in the bottom 20 per cent of councils, according to the Audit Commission, despite improving in several key areas in 2008.

The top score is four stars, two is adequate, and the lowest score is one.

Oldham’s is the lowest score in Greater Manchester. Four stars went to Tameside and Bury, while neighbouring Rochdale scored three.

The Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) survey says Oldham Council is improving adequately, and the rate now matches national averages, but its overall performance is only at minimum requirements.

It says: “The council has been slow to modernise and faces significant financial challenges; this is reflected in high overall costs, meaning value for money is only adequate, despite improvements in services.”

The council improved its financial reporting and internal controls.

The Commission praised Oldham’s adult social care service, which is good with excellent prospects, and scored three.

Housing has improved well and deterioration has been reversed in waste collection and recycling, while benefits administration has improved.

Housing, environmental services, culture and benefits all scored three, Oldham’s top scores.

But the Commission says: “Other areas of importance to people, such as the incidence of crime and health inequality, have not improved.

“Detailed proposals have been put in place to make the council a better led and managed organisation, but it is too early to assess the impact.”

Cabinet member for finance and resources, Councillor Lynne Thompson, said: “It shows that the council’s efforts to improve local services to residents is delivering measurable results.

“Clearly, though, there are still significant challenges ahead for us which are already being addressed by the council.”