The Comprehensive Area Assessment: Let the facts speak for themselves

• CLLR Serge Lourie writes: "It is extraordinary that the Conservatives are carping about an excellent result for the Council and its statutory partners in the recent comprehensive performance assessment last year.

Our Audit Commission inspector came to the meeting of the Local Strategic Partnership Executive last week and made it clear that in a number of areas such as the community safety partnership, community development and dealing with childhood obesity, our services were so good that we could achieve green flags. The thing that I am most pleased about from the independent "place survey" which took place as a precursor to the inspection, more residents of Richmond upon Thames like living here than in any other local authority in the country with the exception of the City of London, which has very few residents.

Rather than place a political spin on the report we believe it is important that residents should make up their own mind about this issue so we are reprinting the summary findings of the Organisational Assessment which relates directly to Council Performance below. We leave it to them to decide if they prefer to believe the independent Audit Commission's findings or if they prefer to believe the Tory interpretation."



• RICHMOND UPON THAMES Organisational Assessment 2009 [Summary]:

"Overall Richmond upon Thames Council performs well. The Council has continued to provide high performing services and made progress with its priorities such as improving schools and maintaining a safe environment. Residents have the second highest level of satisfaction with their local area in London. Innovative schemes such as car parking charges based on emissions are encouraging more people to consider more environmentally friendly lifestyles.

Richmond remains one of the lowest crime boroughs in London and crime is falling further. Educational attainment is high and improving and vulnerable adults have very good choice and control over their care. The Council has met targets for providing affordable homes and parks and open spaces are well-maintained and have high levels of satisfaction.

The Council manages performance well and has scored 3 out of 4.

Council services generally have high levels of satisfaction and have continued to improve their performance. The Council has adopted a clear planning strategy for future developments in the borough, earlier than many other authorities. This sets out how it will protect the borough's character and open spaces, balance the needs of different land uses, and meet residents' needs.

The recycling level is high and the Council is considering how to reduce food waste going to landfill to achieve even higher levels. The Council is dealing with homelessness well and providing more affordable housing. Both crime and anti-social behaviour are tackled effectively by the police and the Council. Residents enjoy a very safe area and fear of crime continues to be a priority for improvement to provide the public with reassurance.

The Council is tracking the impact of the recession on the area and working with partners to improve the way it supports the local economy and businesses.

The Council has strong political and managerial leadership and sound financial management. These provide clear direction to the Council, other public services, private businesses and voluntary and community groups. Councillors have a good understanding of the needs of the community. They plan to address these with partners through the community plan. This is to be reviewed during 2010 to reflect the changing needs of the community and will include specific targets to measure improvements.



The Council recognises the constraints of its funding situation and the increasing external pressures, and is maintaining a strong focus on efficiency, while also considering radical new ways of delivering its services. The Council is developing its staff and managers to meet the challenges of the future by strengthening its workforce planning.



OFSTED has rated the Children's services in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames as performing excellently. Children do well in their early years and at primary school. At age 16, the GCSE pass rate is above the national average but just below local targets. Children with special education needs are supported well and the gap in achievement between them and other children is lower than in other areas. The Council provides outstanding services for children in the care of the Council, and those with physical or learning difficulties. Safeguarding the well-being of children, that is protecting them from abuse and harm, is also rated as outstanding.



The Care Quality Commission has rated the Council's adult social care as performing well. The Council is making good progress in providing people with greater independence and choice and control over the support and care services they receive. The arrangements with partner organisations to protect vulnerable adults from harm and abuse have been significantly improved.

The Council's use of resources is good and has scored 3 out of 4. This is because it provides good value for money for local people and has achieved its planned efficiency targets in recent years.

The Council regularly reviews its costs and levels of performance. Its costs are among the lowest in London but it provides generally high quality services and with a high level of customer satisfaction. The Council is reducing energy use through a range of schemes, such as installing solar powered parking machines and using cooking oil to fuel vehicles. Arrangements for managing the Council's land, buildings and equipment are adequate and improving. It is reviewing the use of existing buildings and exploring further shared use of buildings with partners to deliver local services."

Related Links

• • LBRuT OrganisationalAssessment [9 December 2009]