Customers Are At The Heart Of Dover District

The Audit Commission has found that customers are at the heart of Dover District Council's plans, in a report published today on access to services. The Audit Commission has also stated that the Council communicates effectively with residents, demonstrates effective partnership working and can successfully deliver its plans.

The report identifies that the Council has a clear vision for its services but needs to further enhance the way it coordinates consultation and further explore the access needs of hard to reach groups.

David Willis, the Council's Head of Customer Services, stated: "We welcome challenge because it better equips us to meet our residents' ever increasing aspirations for community led public services."

Stephen Mead, Audit Commission Senior Manager, said: "The Council has delivered significant improvement to access to services. More recent examples include the refurbishment of its key offices in Castle Street and Whitfield. Dover is undergoing a major phase of regeneration and the Council has already demonstrated key improvements to wider access through its partnership working."

Cllr Mrs Julie Rook, DDC Cabinet Member for Citizenship and Consumer Affairs, said: "We are pleased to have been recognised for putting customers at the heart of what we do. We are pleased to work with all our partners in the community and will continue to work to improve accessibility for the future through radical transformation in line with our high regeneration aspirations."

Copies of the full report are available from DDC offices or from the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports