Working together for a better Mid Sussex

photo of Millennium Seedbank at Wakehurst

Council commended for its effective use of taxpayers' money

Mid Sussex District Council has been awarded a score of 3 out of 4 for its use of resources by the Audit Commission. The official rating for the 2008/9 financial year was received at the Council's Audit Committee Meeting on 22nd September, with no recommendations for improvement.

The report highlights that Mid Sussex District Council is actually in the lowest 10% o Council spenders nationwide and in 2007/8 delivered a marked improvement in performance. Mid Sussex is now rated 23rd out of the 388 Councils in England, when it had previously been rated 287th.

The Audit Commission found that Mid Sussex District Council plans its finances effectively to deliver community priorities and secure sound financial health. There is a sound understanding of costs and performance and how to achieve efficiencies in activities. Financial reporting is timely, reliable and meets the needs of stakeholders and local people. The independent auditor also noted that the Council's accounts were presented to a high standard, supported by clear working papers and explanations, and the principles of good governance are demonstrated and promoted.

As part of their work, the Audit Commission is required to report on whether the Council has made proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources. The work of the Audit Commission in this area is now complete and they state that Mid Sussex District Council is performing well, consistently above minimum requirements and is achieving value for money.

"The findings of the Audit Commission are extremely positive and should assure taxpayers that the Council is using its resources effectively to deliver services to the community" said Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Cabinet Member for Finance and Service Delivery. "With the Council's income falling and demand for services changing as a result of the current recession, it's more important than ever to deliver more for less. This report shows how in Mid Sussex we are delivering some of the best performing services in the country while being among the 10% lwest spending Councils".

"The Council's 3 out of 4 score for use of resources is especially welcome given that the Audit Commission has applied a harder test this year as part of new arrangements for assessing how Councils perform and use taxpayers' money".

The papers for the meeting are available to view online.
Audit Committee Report 2008/09 (pdf, 1mb)

ENDS

PR1115/MF/MF

28 September 2009