Neighbouring Council gets extra star

Reporter: David Bartlett (RoFTRA)
Date online: 12/06/2008

The Audit Commission's Corporate Assessment of Bury Metropolitan Council published last week has raised it from a two-star to a three-star authority.

The Audit Commision's senior manager James Foster states: The Council and its partners have established and articulated clear ambitions for Bury that focus on people and place. The Council and its partners in Team Bury [its LSP] are resolute in their pursuit of these ambitions ... they are making notable improvements in regenerating the six townships within Bury .

Bury has a population of 182,900 with 6.1% from ethnic minorities. It ranks 122nd most deprived on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (compared to Rochdale borough's 25th worst ranking) but has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Greater Manchester at around 2%.

Its Council has 8,600 staff, an ALMO (Six Towns Housing) and council tax levels below average for metropolitan councils.

Its Local Strategic Partnership is recognised as well established, operating through an Executive supported by a Public Service Board, Third Sector Partnership and eight thematic partnerships.