News release 4 July 2008

Recycling levels, crime reduction, achieving value for money and improvements to Council homes are areas in which South Derbyshire District Council has performed well, as shown, in its first ever Annual Report, due to be published today (July 4).

Commended to a meeting of the Full Council last night (Thursday July 3) by Leader Heather Wheeler, the Report looks back over the last year and provides examples of projects and actions delivered against each of the Council’s priority themes.

These include expanding recreation facilities in Netherseal, Overseal, Stenson Fields, Rosliston and Repton under the 'Rural South Derbyshire' theme, securing an agreement with North West Leicestershire District Council on airport-related planning issues under the 'Stronger in the Region' theme and expanding the ways in which its website can be used under the 'Higher Quality Services' theme.

The Report shows that the Council had a very good year, with 46% of the measures used to rate performance in the top 25% for all councils in the country and 74% of satisfaction levels with services above the national average.

Details in the Report also show the Council is achieving value for money in delivering its wide range of services. It says: "We are a low-cost Council and have a well-developed framework to manage our finances."

Looking at Council Tax, the Report points out that this year SDDC set the lowest increase in Derbyshire at 2.5%. The average Council Tax increase in England is 3.9%, with the district average at 3.5%, putting the Council among the lowest in England.

Council Tax payers can see how their money has been spent in the Report's summary of accounts, together with details of how SDDC has performed against its priority themes.

As well as looking back, the Report also looks forward, outlining projects and actions planned and areas targeted for improvement in 2008/09.

Commenting on the Report, Councillor Wheeler said: "This report shows those who live, work and have an interest in South Derbyshire what we achieved for them last year and how we plan to make life even better in the District this year.

People like to know what we are doing and how we are using their money to do it, and this report, produced in-house, does just that. We think everyone will find it informative and interesting – particularly because it includes dozens of photographs taken in South Derbyshire throughout the year.

The Report also confirms our aim to have low Council Tax levels whilst working to deliver our priorities and meet the needs of our residents."

Following acceptance of the Report last night, it will be available on South Derbyshire District Council's website at www.south-derbys.gov.uk/annualreport  from Friday (July 4.) Anyone who would like a hard copy can leave their details with Customer Services on 01283 595795 and one will be sent to them when they become available towards the end of the month.