Stars in your eyes

Hull residents can take comfort that the council has been awarded three out of four stars for performance by the government – from a zero-star rating in 2002 – and has sound plans in place for further improvement

Improvements to life in Hull have been highlighted in the council's recent government inspection results:

• a major reduction in fear of crime and the level of crime, which is now below the national average and still falling
• better arrangements for social care, leading to more older people living independently in their own homes
• better school examination results and a reduction in truancy
• more 16 to 18 year olds in education, employment or training
• an increase in the rate of waste recycling and in tackling the problems of litter, graffiti and fly posting

And it's achievements like these which have led inspectors from the Audit Commission – that's the government's watchdog for local authorities – to award the council three stars (out of a maximum of four) for performance.
That compares to a rating of zero stars in 2002, and shows a steady rate of improvement, with one star in 2005 and two stars in 2006.

Doubters were wrong

"When I moved to Hull four years ago, many people said that this level of improvement in the city was impossible," said Hull City Council chief executive, Kim Ryley.
"But we have proved them wrong, and that is very satisfying.
"It's a welcome boost to staff confidence and morale, as we prepare for the challenges involved in completing our journey to make the council an excellent organisation."

Still more to do

Despite the major disruption caused by the floods, Audit Commission inspectors found the council remained focused on supporting local people who were affected.
They also found that the council:

• has made improvements in its use of resources
• continues to deliver value for money
• is in a good position to deal with the major challenges still facing Hull in areas such as educational attainment, housing and health.

"It should be remembered that this time three years ago, the council was in special measures," said leader of Hull City Council, Cllr Carl Minns.
"But this is a measure of the momentum that we have achieved since then in delivering improved services to the people of Hull.
"However, I know everything is not as good as I, or local people, would like, and that is why we will continue to strive for better results for local people."