County Council Leader Councillor John Taylor said: "It's really pleasing to see that following from the improvements made in 2006 we have not only maintained our three star rating but have improved in two key areas.

Value for money inspection says county council "performing well"

The inspection examines the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the council's use of resources. It looks at how the council operates against a series of Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE), which are then given a score of between one and four. These KLOE are:

• Financial Reporting
• Financial Management
• Financial Standing
• Internal Control
• Value for Money

The county council has not only maintained its overall score of 3 for 2007, against a more challenging framework but has actually increased its Key Lines of Enquiry score in two areas. These are:

The Council's medium term financial strategy, budgets and capital programme are soundly based and designed to deliver its strategic priorities,' and

The Council has arrangements in place that are designed to promote and ensure probity and propriety in the conduct of its business.'

County Council Leader Councillor John Taylor said: "It's really pleasing to see that following from the improvements made in 2006 we have not only maintained our three star rating but have improved in two key areas.

"It has been a far more challenging inspection this year with tougher criteria and we have been given a stronger overall three which is very encouraging. However we want to build on this success and look at ways in which we can improve the way we use our resources. Work is already being done across this authority to improve our financial management and make sure we are achieving value for money across the board, "Cllr Taylor added.