COUNCILLORS tonight (Thursday) will be examining a new report from the Audit Commission. The report into the workings of North Herts District Council looks at a 12-month period from 2006-07. In the report s key messages it says that the district council c

COUNCILLORS tonight (Thursday) will be examining a new report from the Audit Commission.

The report into the workings of North Herts District Council looks at a 12-month period from 2006-07.

In the report's key messages it says that the district council continued to performed well across key services.

But it states, however: "The overall improvement in the council's relative performance over the last 12 months is, however, below average when compared with other district councils."

And it says for the period in question that there had been "no demonstrable improvement in the value for money".

The report does not, however, look at the past 12 months when changes are understood to have been implimented.

The report was being considered by the district council's performance, audit and review committee and will then be discussed later by members of the council's Cabinet.

The report continued that performance management arrangements needed to be strengthened, as well as a co-ordinated strategic approach to future plans.

It does, however, stress: "The commitment and hard work of staff and councillors has been crucial to achieveing the recent changes, and there is a willingness among staff to bring about further improvements."

In a four-point action plan, the Audit Commission says the council needs to:

Complete a detailed analysis of the cost and performance information available to enable it to undertake a comprehensive benchmarked assessment of the value for money of services.

Implement the recommendations of an Efficiency Fundamental Services Review to improve value for money.

Implement a co-ordinated approach to service improvement; with an overall improvement plan drawing together key projects and plans.

Strengthen performance management arrangements to provide a greater focus on the council's key improvement areas and priorities.

Develop and implement action plans to address the areas for improvement.

A spokesman for the district council said yesterday (Wednesday) that it would not comment on the report until the committee had studied the Audit Commission's findings.