FOR the second year running, Medway Council has been awarded a "good" ranking by the Audit Commission in the Comprehensive Performance Assessment leagues tables.

The ranking is based on how councils are run and how their main services perform.

Medway is one of 56 councils in the country rated good. Ten were rated poor, 18 weak, 40 fair and 26 excellent.

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Rodney Chambers said the result demonstrated the council's ability to sustain good services to residents of Medway.

According to the report this year housing services have improved and the council has made progress in clearly stating its service priorities and how it manages performance to ensure improvements happen.

It goes on to say that developments in Thames Gateway have provided the catalyst for the council to launch and develop ambitious plans and that the council has worked effectively with partner organisations to secure government funding of £57 million for regeneration in the area.

The report concludes that based on Medway's current plans the council is well placed to further improve the way it works and the services it provides to local people.

Cllr Chambers said: "I'm extremely pleased that the Audit Commission has acknowledged the huge regeneration agenda, which we are undertaking.

"Our vision for the area is very clear. We have an enormous agenda for next year but I believe with the commitment from the excellent staff we have that we will be able to deliver our vision while maintaining and improving key services."

In a Comprehensive Performance Assessment each council is given a rating of between one and four - four being the highest - for its main services and for how it is run.

The ratings are based on inspections, service plans and performance against national performance indicators.

Medway Council scored three out of four and given the overall rating of good.

KM-fm's Ed Cook has more...