Conservative-controlled West Lancashire Borough Council has been given the thumbs up by the Audit Commission for the way it looks after taxpayers' money.
The Commission's Annual Governance Report for the authority for 2010/11 identified the Conservative-led authority:
- Has a leadership team which understands the significant financial management challenges and risks facing the Council and is taking appropriate action to maintain a stable financial position;
- Developed a "good track record" of managing its spending;
- Uses joint procurement effectively and actively looks to identify opportunities for further savings.
It also pointed out that the Council has been debt free for several years and has built up a sound financial standing to meet future challenges.
Conservative Group leader Cllr Ian Grant said: "When Conservatives took control of the council, we, like the Government, inherited debts from the previous Labour administration. We have since paid off those debts, improved recycling rates, delivered a two year Council Tax freeze and formed partnerships to improve our leisure facilities and protect jobs in West Lancashire.
"Through sound financial management and living within our means, we haven't had to 'slam on the brakes' like some other local authorities.
"We will carry on working hard and by developing our Business Plan, we can continue to ensure we are able to meet the challenges ahead."
Conservative finance chief Cllr David Westley added: "This is good news for West Lancashire taxpayers and a vote of confidence in this Conservative council's prudent management of public money .
"We work hard to protect hardpressed families from the sort of Council Tax rises they were hit with by Labour, when they hiked it up by almost 15% in one year. Like in Government, Labour racked up debts and it was left to an incoming Conservative administration to clean up their mess. They should never be let near the public finances ever again."