Cultural report welcomed

A report into the quality of the cultural services provided by Hertsmere Borough Council has been welcomed.

Earlier this year the Audit Commission undertook an inspection of the services offered by the council and this week published its findings.  It rated the cultural services provided by Hertsmere Borough Council as fair, with promising prospects for improvement.

Cllr John Graham, Leader of the Council, said: “The report is very encouraging and overall we are very pleased with its findings. There are a number of aspects of our work which are highlighted as providing quality services for residents and we want to continue to build on this."

The Audit Commission inspection team gave the service, which includes leisure facilities, parks and open spaces and museums, a ‘fair’ rating and judged there were promising prospects for further improvement.

The Council provides a wide range of cultural opportunities across the borough and the report earmarks that in particular, the leisure facilities are of a high quality; services have been well tailored to the needs of current users and there are some high levels of satisfaction. The inspectors also found that cultural services to children and young people, and to older people, were well-developed and managed and the services had made a major contribution to reducing anti-social behaviour and thus improving quality of life for residents.

Gary Hammersley , Audit Commission senior manager, said: “The Council’s significant investment in leisure facilities and in parks and open spaces has resulted in good quality provision that is well used and appreciated by Hertsmere residents. They are less satisfied with other aspects of cultural services, such as museums and arts venues. The Council is aware of the shortcomings and is ready to address them. A combination of effective leadership, capable and well motivated staff and supportive councillors means that the future looks bright for cultural services in Hertsmere.”

The inspection covered all aspects of the Council’s cultural services. 

• Full copies of the report can be downloaded here (Adobe PDF)

Or alternatively from the Audit Commission at
www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports.