Camden rated top authority by Audit Commission - but work still to do

The FortuneGreenSpotlight blog is mostly concerned with the very local goings on. However, at times we should have a side-glance at a wider scene.
As the Audit Commission has recently published the results of their 'Comprehensive Area Assessment' it is a good time to do this and see how Camden is regarded in the local authority world.
We're delighted that Camden has been rated as one of the top performing areas in the country.  The Audit Commission don't come out with a specific league table - but the people in the Municipal Journal have done the work for us and puts Camden at the very top (See 'Camden emerges as highest-rated local authority')
The assessment looks wider than just the Council - and looks at how public services work together in the area.
Being self-effasive Liberal Democrats are some important caveats that need to be raised about the methodology behind the rating.  I'm very pleased that the leader of Camden is consciously not trumpeting these results as if to say 'all is well'.  Instead there are a number of issues that still need addressing in Camden - especially elements of customer service and responsiveness. Its certainly true that the Audit Commission aren't measuring the same things that are most important to me or the residents I speak to.
However, it is worth while understanding what the report actually says.
A quite interesting summary is available on the Audit Commission's website.  I'm particularly pleased with the parts concerning sustainability...

A sustainable Camden that adapts to a growing population

"Local partners are working well to make Camden sustainable and to ensure that the borough adapts to a growing population. Traffic congestion is reducing but it still remains an important issue for local people. Car use has fallen by over one-third and deaths and serious injuries on roads have fallen by almost two-thirds. More than one in ten of road users are cyclists.

Carbon emissions are reducing. Local partners are working well together to make sure that carbon reduction continues. As more than 60 per cent of CO2 emissions are from non-residential buildings, local businesses are signing-up to an agreement to reduce the amount of energy they use. Council housing is becoming more energy efficient with green roofs and solar panels installed on some housing estates. Recycling levels are improving.

Areas across Camden are being regenerated. Developments include more affordable housing, leisure facilities, and education and health services.

Homelessness and overcrowding are reducing. Local partners recognise that more work is needed if sustainable housing in Camden is to be provided, particularly in meeting the government's Decent Homes Standard. It has plans in place to tackle these issues."