Healthy report for County Council finances

East Sussex achieved a good result scoring three out of four overall. Five areas were assessed by the Commission. The Council scored a rating of three out of four in each of the five categories - financial reporting, financial management, financial standing, internal control and value for money. The news has been warmly welcomed by Deputy County Council Leader, Tony Reid:

"I am delighted that we have independent confirmation that this council is managing its resources and budgets well. "I am particularly pleased to see us score well in the value for money category as this is an area that residents have highlighted as extremely important. People want good services but also want to see those services provided in the most cost-effective way.

This report showsthat in terms of our resources we are giving our residents good value for money. "Another very pleasing aspect is to see us maintain our good record eventhough the Audit Commission has made the assessment criteria a lot harder.

The challenge for us now is to maintain and to try and improveon this record of sound financial management." Further details on the national assessment of council resources are available online at audit-commission.gov.uk.