It's official - Kent is top

'Performing excellently'

Conservative controlled Kent County Council is in the top category of 'performing excellently' in a report by the Audit Commission published 09 December. Kent is one of only three UK counties to achieve this rating under the more demanding criteria of the new assessment.

In a separate report published on the same day, the Audit Commission has assessed public agencies across Kent. Two Kent Partnership initiatives were singled out as "achieving exceptional outcomes" meriting Green Flag status. These were for work in improving employment opportunities for Kent's young people and the Gateway initiative which brings access to most public services under one roof.

The Kent Partnership is chaired by KCC leader, Paul Carter and brings together the District Councils, Primary Care Trusts, Kent Police Authority, Kent Fire Service, JobCentre Plus and partners across the private and voluntary sectors. In welcoming the report Paul Carter said,

"I am proud of the role Kent's Conservatives, as the majority party on Kent County Council, have played in setting polices that have so emphatically delivered for the people of Kent. This has been a herculean effort that properly places us in the top three performing counties in the UK."

"To have those achievements recognised by the Audit Commission once again is testament to the hard work of the elected members, staff, officers, partners and residents of this great county of Kent."

Caroline Spelman, Shadow Deputy Prime Minister said:

"Conservative Kent continues to be one of the most innovative and best performing councils in the country. Its political leadership and record of achievement remains outstanding."

"The "Backing Kent's Business" campaign and Kent's expanding vocational programmes for young people provide an excellent example of how a leading Conservative authority can provide locally-based support of the very highest quality for businesses and young people at a time of severe economic recession."

The full report on Kent can be found on www.direct.gov.uk/oneplace