Watchdog praises North Devon Council

SERVICES in North Devon, such as street cleaning, housing and new one-stop shops in Ilfracombe and South Molton, are praised in a new report out today (Wednesday). The Audit Commission, a public sector watchdog, has published the first of a new type of an

SERVICES in North Devon, such as street cleaning, housing and new one-stop shops in Ilfracombe and South Molton, are praised in a new report out today (Wednesday).

The Audit Commission, a public sector watchdog, has published the first of a new type of annual report about North Devon Council. The report finds that North Devon Council is performing as it should.

The report praises the council's housing service, saying that the council successfully helps vulnerable people, such as those who are in danger of becoming homeless, as well as those who are facing evictions or family breakdowns. It also points out that people are particularly satisfied with the recycling service, and the benefits service.

Council Leader Des Brailey, who is also Lead Member for Good and Improving Services, said: "This report is confirmation to our customers that we are delivering what we set out to do.

"Despite being praised, we are committed to providing the best services we can to our residents, and are therefore keen to ensure we continue to improve our services in the future."

While applauding the council for increasing the waste it recycles, saving money, and noting that residents are "more satisfied with this service than in other parts of Devon", the report also suggests there is more to be done to improve refuse collection. It says households need to be persuaded to cut the amount of waste they produce further, because this increases costs as well as affects the environment. The Commission goes on to say it recognises the council has good plans in place to improve its waste management service.

Lead Member for Waste and Recycling, Cllr Rodney Cann, added: "People of North Devon should be rightly pleased and proud of what they have achieved in terms of recycling.

"Compared with most other authorities in Devon, our standard of street cleanliness is very high indeed."

The council's efforts to attract jobs to the area and reduce the impact of the recession are also recognised. But it comments that there is more to be done "to attract better paid and more skilled jobs to the area".