AN AUDIT Commission report has praised the Kent Police Authority for performing well during last year.

The authority, an independent body that holds Kent Police to account, was highlighted for consistently performing above standard and for spending public money wisely.

The report, issued in December, examined police authorities across the country and their financial effectiveness in areas such as value for money, internal control, financial standing, financial management and financial reporting.

The county's police authority received the highest possible score for financial management.

This includes the ability to plan for the medium term, managing the performance of Kent Police against the budget set, and how well buildings and vehicles are utilised.

Ann Barnes, chair of the authority, said: “I’m really pleased this report has highlighted that the authority is continuing to fight for the taxpayer.

"We set the police budget and it’s so important that when people pay their police council tax they feel they are handing it over to an authority that will use it in the best possible way.

“Policing funds are tight so how we work needs to be completely robust. We are happy with the report’s findings but very much aware we have more work to do next year to remain at the forefront.”