Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Something that West Wilts DC is good at - at last.
Although I haven't seen the report myself, I am told by a fellow councillor that figures released by the Audit Commission show that, in terms of central costs against expenditure, West Wiltshire DC is the most efficient in the country, coming first out of 238 English District Councils.

The exact figure is £20.29 per head of population, as against a national average of £54.19. In terms of total expenditure on services West Wilts is seventh nationally, with a spend of £98.86 per resident.

These are 2004 figures, and I'm sure that I don't need to remind you that the period between May 2003 and May 2005 was when the council was led by the Independent/Conservative coalition. With the Lib Dems now back in control (sic), it will be interesting to see how the next set of figures compare.