Liberal Democrat Councillors have reacted with disappointment that the Audit Commission’s latest Comprehensive Performance Assessment has given the borough a ‘weak’ rating for the second year in succession. The report published this week by the Audit Commission gives the Council the second lowest overall rating of the five categories and the overall score shows no improvement on that received back in the Autumn of 2002.

Although some services have scored better, Lib Dem Leader Ross Laird has questioned the level from which they have improved and whether the structures are in place to sustain the improvements once extra government money dries up.

Cllr Ross Laird (Muswell Hill) comments: “While the report notes some improvements in certain areas such as libraries, they are from a very low base, and the Council is still categorised as weak – something which local residents will recognise all too well.

Cllr Jonathan Bloch, Finance Spokesperson, adds:

“Other changes, such as in social services have come at a cost of £5.1 million overspend. What is important is that improvements are both sustainable and financially viable – and with a likely 15% increase in Council Tax and Labour at the helm, neither of these fundamentals are likely.”