Tendring District Council (TDC) is improving most of its services to meet local priorities and continues to achieve good value for money.

That's the verdict of the Audit Commission in its latest assessment of the authority which has just been released.

The Commission noted the way TDC is working in partnership to develop the District's economy and the way a clear commitment has been made to regeneration through the setting up of Project Tendring.

In the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter of March 2008 it is highlighted that the Council is on track to meet the Decent Homes Standard by December 2010 - and there has been a significant improvement in access to services by making them available online.

New Councillors are receiving training - but more work needs to be done in providing planning guidance for Members.

The Audit Commission also pointed to the fact that TDC had achieved the top possible rating for its use of its financial resources despite the criteria being tougher than in the previous year.

Council Leader David Lines said he was delighted with the report but added there was still work to be done.

"I was very pleased that the Audit Commission recognised that Tendring District Council is continuing to improve," he said.

"We are making strides in the right direction and we have a clear vision of where we want to go. The Commission picked out a couple of areas where action is needed and we are tackling those issues."

The Commission called for a greater clarity on the roles and responsibilities of Members where planning was concerned, as well as the need to continue improving performance in certain areas - such as average relet times of Council housing.

It acknowledged that the new Administration has taken firm steps to clarify the direction of the authority and the way in which Project Tendring, with cross-party commitment, reflected the development of its regeneration proposals. It has asked for further plans to support Project Tendring and the regeneration agenda.

The Commission also felt TDC displayed effective community leadership and partnership working; the rate of recycling and the cleanliness of the district continue to improve; the relationship between Councillors and officers remained good and the new administration is strongly led.

Cllr Lines added: "This is very good news for the residents of this district but they can be assured that we will not be resting on our laurels and we will continue to strive to provide them with good services which represent excellent value for money."

A full version of the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter can be found here