Ref. 24477-6LABOUR group leader Kevin Small (Western) extended a big thank you to all council staff for their hard work over the last few months in the effort for progress.

"We must now build on this and continue to develop to ensure that the council delivers high quality services to the people," he said.

"Despite the no change in our rating, I agree with Coun Bawden that we have made progress."

Liberal Democrat group leader Mike Evemy commented: "Well done to all the employees for the hard work they have put in to aid recovery so far.

"We are improving, but there is still much to do."

Since last year's inspection, the council has:

l Appointed Simon Birch as chief executive.

l Restructured services so they focus exclusively on customers.

l Made council housing a separate service.

l Appointed an education director and three assistant directors.

l Introduced an improvement plan with 76 targets.

l Fostered a culture of co-operation between all political parties on the council and among officers.

The foundation for recovery was in place during my Labour administration, but unfortunately the electorate didn't give us the chance to reap the rewards."

"It's true there's a long way to go in Social Services, but I really do think we're on the right track.I just hope we keep focused enough to see it through to the bitter end."