Harlow Council is improving, the Audit Commission's progress report on the Council says.

The report, published today, says that "the rate of improvement has accelerated in the last year". It comments on progress in managing performance, in political leadership, and in delivering services in some key priority areas. The Audit Commission says: "Whilst the rate of Council tax remains high, there has been improvement compared to other Councils".

The report acknowledges improvement in

• recycling collection rates


• partnership working to tackle anti social behaviour


• payment of council tax and housing benefits


• accessibility of services


• the Council's 'fit for purpose' rating for its housing strategy


• the introduction of a Choice Based Lettings scheme for Council properties


• the speed of determining minor planning applications

Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Chris Millington says:

"We have consulted with local people to agree a list of priorities for Harlow Council. These priorities give direction to everything that we do. They are the basis for our Corporate Plan, for our financial strategies and for the range and quality of services that we provide.

Hard decisions were taken around the provision of services. Where we have had to close facilities we've worked closely with the community to find other ways of continuing those services without cost to the local tax payer. We are continuing to scrutinise our services in terms of value for money and quality of service, looking at ways of delivery through a mix of direct delivery and partnership working.

There are areas that need some concentrated work if we are to continue with our programme of progress as set out in the Recovery Plan. We know that we need to work hard on progressing the People Issues Project and on demonstrating value for money in our service provision and delivery. We have a commitment and priority to develop customer focus and will continue with our long, hard look at the range and quality of our services to make sure that we give good value for money."