Basildon Council has been given the thumbs-up from independent auditors.

Accountants Pannell, Kerr and Forster have just released their annual report, and for the fourth year running there are no significant issues to be raised.

All local authorities face an independent audit each year, including an examination of finances and how management and services operate.

PKF met members of the policy executive committee to explain their findings in detail.

PKF partner Richard Bint said: "Basildon is a well-managed authority which is actively addressing each of the issues currently facing it.

"It has produced a clear and informative first year best value performance plan and is well placed to deliver best value to the authority."

In the report, which covers the period to March 31 2001, PKF said Basildon's budgetary control regime was "sound", and there had been good progress in the area of the council's changing structure.

Basildon's best value plan, a summary of which was delivered to every home in the district, was described as "clear and accessible".

Council leader John Potter said: "For the fourth year running our external auditors have issued a positive report about Basildon with no need to raise any significant issues.

Their findings of this being a well-managed council have been mirrored by other outside experts - the Improvement and Development Agency reported that excellent work is being carried out in Basildon and that we are a sound authority with strong financial controls."

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