County council's top ranking
Shropshire County Council was today named as one of the top authorities in England for the fourth year running.
It has been awarded four stars – the highest possible score – in the annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment by the local government watchdog, the Audit Commission.
Telford & Wrekin Council is also highly rated, having been given three stars and assessed as continuing to "improve well".
The commission's report on the county council says: "Improvements in priority areas include easier access to services, particularly for rural residents, increased waste recycling, safer roads, and primary school reorganisation is being tackled.
"The move to unitary status has been exceptionally well-managed with key milestones being hit."
The council was scored four out of four for use of resources and cultural services, and three out of four for adult social care, children and young people's services, and environmental services.
Peter Nutting, cabinet member for performance, added: "To be named as a top-performing council for the fourth year running is a magnificent achievement."
The way that Telford & Wrekin Council is managed was assessed as being amongst the very best in the country.
Housing and benefits services were also rated as excellent and the environmental and cultural services achieved good ratings.
The commission says the council "continues to work well with partners to regenerate the Borough and strengthen the local economy".
Council Leader Andrew Eade said: "Improving our children's services is a key issue for us and work is well under way to make further improvements."
By Dave Morris