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Four stars for Gateshead

People living in Gateshead are receiving some of the highest quality council services in the country, according to an independent review. Gateshead Council has been rated amongst the top 13 local authorities in England and Wales, and the highest performing council north of Manchester, The Audit said this week.

The Audit Commission uses a star rating to show how well councils are doing as part of its Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA). Gateshead Council has been awarded the highest star rating of four stars, and has also been said to be improving strongly.

Confirming its position, the Audit Commission said: “Gateshead Council is improving strongly. The Council has significantly improved outcomes for local people, achieving one of the best levels of improvement in England. “Major regeneration developments have continued. The level of deprivation has reduced and the quality of housing has improved. Ambitious plans for the redevelopment of Gateshead Town Centre are being taken forward.

“The Council provides good value for money.”

Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead council, said: “While we are delighted with our ‘star’ status, it is even more satisfying to know that we are seen as a ‘strongly improving’ council. “We have a strong sense of where we want to be in the future and our challenge now is to build on this success and to strive even harder to improve the way we work and the services we offer.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .