Camden LBC has become the first council in the country to pass the new, ‘harder' CPA test, with flying colours. The London borough was given a score of four out of a possible four in all the areas of inspection. Inspectors praised the ‘Better and cheaper' efficiency programme, which has saved £17.5m, the council's involvement in the regeneration of King's Cross and the authority's ‘high performance culture'. The Audit Commission said councillors and officers were of a ‘high calibre', and ‘provide visible, strong leadership'. ‘A lot of work has been done over a number of years,' said chief executive, Moira Gibb. ‘Camden was rated excellent when I joined in 2003,' she added. ‘It has improved every year since. This fantastic result demonstrates the level of progress and is a real tribute to our "can do" staff, who have never become complacent. ‘In fact, we remain as ambitious as ever to deliver further improvements for residents and councillors.' Council leader Keith Moffitt said it was an exceptional result for Camden: ‘However, what matters most to us as councillors is what residents experience and getting it right for everyone who uses our services.'
