The regeneration service provided by Thanet District Council is 'good' and has 'promising prospects for improvement', according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.
On a scale from zero to three stars the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service a 'good', two-star rating. This was because the Council has an excellent understanding of local issues, and regeneration is central to everything the Council does. The Council has transformed a number of important services and it has worked very effectively with other councils and organisations to deliver improvements for local people. But it should involve the public more in developing its long-term vision for the regeneration of Thanet.
Claire Bryce-Smith, Audit Commission senior manager, said:
'The Council's work in the more deprived neighbourhoods, and in the run-down parts of Ramsgate and Margate, has really improved the district as a place to live, work, study and relax. Major projects with partner organisations have brought real benefits such as new jobs and new educational opportunities. Heritage buildings have been restored, empty properties brought back into use and new businesses have moved into the area. All these changes, together with the Turner Contemporary gallery which is currently under construction, promise a bright future for the area.'
Strengths include:
- the Council understands community needs and aspirations
- all departments have contributed to the economic, physical and social regeneration of the area through a wide-ranging programme of activities
- the much improved planning service has helped to secure major economic developments with significant job opportunities
- the Turner Contemporary project, of national and regional importance, has encouraged improvements to the physical environment, new business start-ups and arts programmes enjoyed by thousands of people
- strong lobbying and partnership working by the Council have led to major transport infrastructure improvements, with further plans in place
- the Council has been very successful in drawing in large grants to support regeneration programmes
Areas for improvement include:
- local people have not yet been consulted on the Council's long term vision for regeneration and they do not fully understand the Council's plans for the development of central Margate
- the Council does not measure effectively enough the results of all its regeneration plans and activities to ensure that investment delivers value for money
To help the service improve, inspectors made a number of recommendations. These include:
- develop ways of demonstrating value for money by measuring, comparing and evaluating the cost and outcomes from regeneration work
- improve the public's understanding of the Council’s vision for regeneration, particularly in relation to Margate town centre
The Council has had an active regeneration programme since the 1990s. The district was given Development Area Status in 1993, and from 1994 onwards the Council was successful in obtaining substantial external grants. These schemes enabled the Council to support a wide range of regeneration projects, particularly in the more deprived and physically run down neighbourhoods. Regeneration is now a major focus for the Council and all directorates have priorities and targets relating to regeneration activities.
Copies of the report are available from Thanet District Council or from the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports.
Notes to editors
The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
Our work across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services means that we have a unique perspective. We promote value for money for taxpayers, auditing the £200 billion spent by 11,000 local public bodies.
As a force for improvement, we work in partnership to assess local public services and make practical recommendations for promoting a better quality of life for local people.
Further details about the role of the Audit Commission can be obtained from www.audit-commission.gov.uk.
For further information, or for an embargoed copy of the full report, please contact:
Callum Collins, Senior Regional Communications Manager (Southern), Tel: 0117 901 8883.