06 September 2002
Local government minister Nick Raynsford said this week: 'The commitment to change shown by Rossendale must be carried forward and lead to positive results. If continuous progress is not clearly evident, I am prepared to use formal intervention powers to ensure that local people receive the quality of services and leadership they expect and deserve.'
He was responding to a corporate governance report from an Audit Commission inspection team which described Rossendale as 'among the worst-run districts in the country'.
The report continues: 'The borough has poor services which are deteriorating and has lacked the capacity to improve.'
Rossendale, says the commission, is the seventh highest spender per head compared with similar councils, yet it provides 'unacceptably poor services, local people are dissatisfied, and there is a lack of accountability'.
The commission also found 'a defeatist culture' which blames the borough's woes on lack of government funding. But, it says, 'the crisis is due to poor political leadership and the failure of senior management to tackle problems over a number of years'.
Only recent steps taken by the council have forestalled the commission recommending immediate government intervention.
Director of inspection Paul Kirby said: 'The failure we found at Rossendale is very serious. However, the council has said that it is willing to address these failings and it has begun to put some positive steps in place that, if carried through effectively, will make a significant difference.'
PFsep2002
