RUSHCLIFFE IS THE PLACE

Rushcliffe Borough Council “performs excellently” – that’s what the Audit Commission in their report which forms part of the new Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) process. The council achieved ‘excellent’ under CPA in 2008 and has again been rated in the top category in 2009. Rushcliffe has been given the top rating of 4, which equates to ‘performing excellently’, with a score of 1 being awarded to an organisation
that ‘performs poorly’. CAA is the new external assessment of how well local public services are performing and it comprises two parts – an area assessment of Nottinghamshire and how well all public services
work together and an organisational assessment of individual bodies. CAA has confirmed that Nottinghamshire is generally working well together and that Rushcliffe is playing its part by performing at an excellent level. To arrive at their score, the Audit Commission rates an organisation on how well it manages performance and how well it uses its resources (managing money, governing the businesses and managing other resources).
Neil Clarke, leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, said: “This is excellent news and we welcome this assessment. It is also further confirmation that our partnership and collaboration offers benefits for both our residents in Rushcliffe and the wider community in the county of Nottinghamshire. We will continue to play a full part to bring about further improvements in the areas identified by the Audit Commission.”
Allen Graham, chief executive, added: “Staff have worked very hard as one team for the last three years and I am delighted that this assessment recognises their enthusiasm and commitment.  We will continue to focus on delighting customers and providing high quality services within a value for money budget, and continue to work well with partners.”
The Audit Commission report summary states: “People are more satisfied with the area as a place to live than nearly any other English district with over 92% of residents satisfied. More residents than in most districts are satisfied with the council itself with 73% of people satisfied. The council is working effectively to address the issues that matter most to people. Council finances are well managed and the council delivers good value for money.
“Rushcliffe scores 4 out of 4 for performance. It is ambitious with a strong sense of direction in shaping local services. The council is actively and innovatively engaging with communities about new housing development. A high percentage of residents feel they can influence local decisions. The council works effectively with partners to make the area clean and safe.  A very high percentage of people feel the area is well kept.
“People have a strong sense of community and Rushcliffe is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well – one of the highest ratings in the country. The council manages its finances well, governs itself well and plans and develops its workforce well.”