In both CPA 2006 and 2007, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is the highest rated council. With a four star, improving strongly judgement and the highest service scores we have demonstrated high performance across the board. This has recently been supported by our corporate assessment and Joint Area Review inspections. Key findings from the Corporate Assessment were:

• Stockton Council performs strongly and makes a major contribution to the area’s revival, bringing transformation through sustained community leadership. A major regional player, it is fiercely ambitious in its desire to better residents’ quality of life. Significant improvements in services have resulted from excellent partnership working and single-minded grip on delivery. The physical environment of the borough has improved noticeably.
• Strong leadership has driven improvements. Recognised nationally, the Chief Executive’s strong leadership is supported by high quality staff in key positions. Performance management is strong and the Council has a good record of identifying problems and turning them round.
• Partnership working is ingrained and the Council plays a leading part. Stockton Renaissance is effective and stakeholders give above average approval for the job the Council is doing.
• The Council’s high profile results from a deliberate strategy to bring beneficial change to residents, and is well deserved. Most services have attracted high levels of resident approval for a considerable time, showing it has not rested on its laurels, despite performing at the highest levels for several years.
• Residents recognise the Council gives excellent value for money. In no areas are high costs and low performance linked. There is a focus on delivering efficiencies and investing effectively in priorities, with strong financial management and below average Council tax rises. A commissioning approach is well developed in children’s services and social care and the Council works hard to ensure services are cost effective – for example, sharing services with Darlington Council.
• There have been significant achievements in areas such as crime reduction, housing renewal, regeneration and children’s services. Residents have noticed marked improvements in street cleanliness, recycling rates are improving, and there is greater understanding of older people’s needs and supporting their independence. Progress has been made in extending life expectancy and tackling mortality from cancer and circulatory disease.
• There is an embedded culture of user focus, community engagement and customer service amongst staff. The Council is beginning to address equality, diversity and cohesion issues more thoroughly.
• A well managed approach to neighbourhood renewal targets funds to improve communities where decline was difficult to remedy. Sustainable and safe housing redevelopment is improving areas like Parkfield and Hardwick. The Council has made progress against most Government targets.

Further information is available on the published Corporate Assessment Document.