A COUNCIL has been given a clean bill of health after having its books independently inspected.

The annual report from Ernst and Young LLP will be presented to members of Darlington Borough Council next month.

Councillor Stephen Harker, leader of the council, said: “This is a very important confirmation of what we already know – that we are a well-managed Value for Money council.

“I am very keen to highlight this, as our 2018 Community Survey showed that many people didn’t feel that the council provides that value for money.

“That is understandable, given the reductions in services we have had to make in recent years, as a result of the Government’s austerity agenda, which has seen our income cut by tens of millions of pounds.

“So I am very pleased to receive this clean bill of health against that backdrop of reducing income from Government.

“Being careful with money over recent years has enabled us to create our Futures Fund, putting investment back into areas you have told us are important to you, such as Street Scene and the town centre.”

The auditors’ report will be presented to a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday, January 8 at 5pm.