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PRESS RELEASE |
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LIBERAL DEMOCRATS WELCOME WIRRAL'S ‘3 STAR' ACCOLADE Wirral Liberal Democrats today welcomed the announcement of Wirral Council's new ‘3-star' status. Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wirral Council, and Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Simon Holbrook said, “The award of 3 stars - ‘a good council that is improving well' - by the Audit Commission is welcome recognition of the improvements this Council has made under the joint Lib Dem/ Labour administration; and it is the first time ever that Wirral has achieved such recognition. “It has required having the courage to take difficult decisions. This is the change we have been working for. “The challenge now is to build on the strong foundations laid, as we face the new pressures that will inevitably arise from the recession.” Councillor Holbrook continued, “When the Liberal Democrats came into the joint administration in May 2007, Wirral Council was in trouble. Years of drift under the previous all-party adminstration had put the Council in a perilous financial position. “Since then the Council has refocused its priorities with a new Corporate Plan and Vision for Wirral with clear aims and objectives, supported by sound finances. “Performance has improved across the board; we're the most improved metropolitan borough for recycling; bin collection has gone from chaos to a national exemplar, promoted by DEFRA as an example of best practice; we achieved the highest rating of all metropolitan authorities in the country for access to services; CO2 emissions from Council buildings have reduced by 20%; and there is much more. “Wirral is being transformed from ‘adequate' to award winner. Crucially this has been achieved at the same time as bringing the budget under control; it has required having the courage to take difficult decisions. This is the change we have been working for, but there is more to do. “Wirral's economy, our first Corporate Priority, is of particular importance at this time of recession, and we're doing all we can to support local business and protect jobs. “ Wirral Council was awarded its 3-star status in the Audit Commission's Comprehensive Performance Assessment 2008 Report, which covers the period from April 2007 to March 2008. The Audit Commission is “an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.”
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