KENT County Council has maintained its position as one of the best-performing authorities in the country, according to council league tables published today.

The county council was again awarded the highest four-star rating on the basis of an assessment of its services by independent inspectors.

Its ranking makes it one of the two best performing county councils in the country and in the top ten of all authorities.

Conservative council leader Cllr Paul Carter said the rating was a "cause for celebration," particularly against a backdrop of a continuing funding squeeze on councils by central government.

The publication of the league tables co-incide with KCC’s budget meeting today which is set to approve a 4.95 per cent increase in council tax bills and £30million savings.

Mr Carter said: "This is a tremendous performance. A tribute to everyone who works for KCC who is willing to go that extra mile in providing value-for-money for Kent residents."

He added: "We know there is room for improvement and will not rest on our laurels. The hard work continues in driving efficiency and innovation."

The league tables are compiled by the Audit Commission and assess individual services, value for money and customer satisfaction under a programme known as Comprehensive Performance Assessment.