Derek Deedman

Independent inspectors have put West Sussex County Council in the top five of all English county local authorities.

Earlier this year, West Sussex was told by the Audit Commission that it had retained its top four-star status for the quality of key services.

Now the Commission has published the second element of the annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment, which all councils face.

This is known as ‘the direction of travel’ and West Sussex has been ranked as ‘performing strongly’ – the highest possible rating.

Only Kent, Leicestershire, Shropshire and Somerset County Councils have been awarded the same top-notch status.

Last year, West Sussex had four stars but was classified as ‘performing well’.

“This is very good news, but are local residents as impressed with County Council services?” Derek Deedman said.

“Although the fact that West Sussex is now independently rated as a cutting edge authority is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all county staff, but it is the views of residents who pay the council tax bills that are more important.”

It is claimed, for instance, that the 2008/09 county budget provides for much needed growth in some services and that there are no cuts in other services. But the Lib Dem opposition on the County Council know that there will be cuts in highway services because an inadequate provision has been made for the high level of inflation that impacts on those services, so reducing the amount of highway work which can be carried out during the year. In addition some services for the elderly will be cut because the County Council will not replace the previous funding from Government, and, of course Chanctonbury residents face a cut in the Mobile Waste Service. There are probably many other smaller service cuts which have not been identified – but the people relying on those services will find out soon enough!  

Finally, whilst West Sussex may be performing strongly, is it doing so on the services people actually want?  What do local people think? Let us know.