Calderdale Council’s performance is slipping, according to a Government watchdog

Mar 6 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

IT’S official: Calderdale Council is getting worse.

A public watchdog announced yesterday (Thursday) that the council’s performance had slipped in the last year.

The Audit Commission gave Calderdale three stars, down from the maximum four stars the council was awarded the year before.

Calderdale chief executive Owen Williams admitted it was a ‘disappointing’ verdict.

“Last year, we were delighted to achieve a four-star rating,” he said.

“But we commented at the time that we faced significant challenges.

“While we are disappointed to have received a three-star rating this year, we are now in a position where we have identified what needs to be done. We are changing the way in which we work.

“We are committed to becoming a lean, customer-focused council,” he added.

The Audit Commission was critical of the way Calderdale helps residents access council services, giving it only a ‘fair’ rating of one star out of a possible three.