Welcome to our first Annual Report, which takes a look at what we, your Council, have achieved for you last year and how we plan to make life even better in the coming year and beyond. You can see how your money has been spent and how we have performed against our priorities.

In 2007/08 we were nationally recognised for our improved service, in particular:

• The Audit Commission judged that we were "performing well" in all the ways in which a local authority can use its resources. This is a significant improvement on the previous two years.
• Our Cultural Services were given a "good" two star rating by the Audit Commission following an inspection of our work in tourism, sports, play, heritage, arts and leisure. We were praised for having a strong focus on providing activities for young people and reducing anti-social behaviour as well as improving health.
• The Cabinet Office awarded Charter Mark, which recognises excellent customer service, to Housing Services in 2007. The Charter Mark assessor said that we have "excellent staff who are committed, professional and dedicated to providing a high quality service." This follows the Charter Mark success of Environmental Services in 2006.
• Rosliston Forestry Centre won the Government's Green Flag Award, recognising it as one of the top quality parks and green spaces in England and Wales.
• We were also the first council in Derbyshire to introduce an on-line thermal map so that local residents and businesses can stop expensive heat and damaging carbon emissions escaping from their properties.

This year we have set the lowest Council Tax increase in Derbyshire at 2.5%. The average Council Tax increase in England is 3.9%, with the district average at 3.5%, which also puts us among the lowest in England.

This is our report back to you. We want to work with you to make South Derbyshire a healthier, more prosperous and safer place to live by continuing to offer value for money services.

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