The Director of Finance informed the Cabinet of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) Use of Resources assessment for 2008 which has recently been released by the Audit Commission.

The Audit Commission had assessed the overall Use of Resources assessment for 2008 as level 3. This was an increase on the 2007 overall score which was a 2. The Commission has stated that the Council had demonstrated significant improvement during the 2007/08 assessment period. Two themes, Financial Management and Financial Standing, had increased scores whilst there were improvements in arrangements in the other themes.

The Deputy Leader of the Council referred to the judgement as a milestone in the performance of the administration.

Councillor Phil Davies moved an amendment, duly seconded and it was -

Resolved: - That

(1)  Cabinet welcomes the progress made which has moved Wirral from a two star to a three star score on Use of Resources. Cabinet further notes that one of the key areas likely to affect future scores will be how well the Council performs on Asset Management and whether it delivers a satisfactory outcome to the Strategic Asset Review which is being closely observed by the Audit Commission; and

(2)  Cabinet also welcomes the positive report by the Audit Commission on Access to Services for Wirral people, set out later in the agenda.