FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Financial Analysis of Camden Council vs. Enfield Council



Financial Analysis of Camden Council vs. Enfield Council

Camden Council

The London Borough of Camden covers 22 square kilometres of inner London, to the north of the city centre. It is a borough of contrasts, ranging from open spaces like Hampstead Heath, to the busy Central London areas of Covent Garden and Holborn. Camden Council performs excellently. The organisation has been scored 4 out of 4.

The Council continues to deliver strong improvements in services for older people, children's services, tackling crime, homelessness and regenerating the area. These improvements build on its strong track record. Partnership working is excellent and has delivered important outcomes for local people such as improved access to health services. The Council is working in partnership to ensure that council houses in Camden meet the Government's Decent Homes standard. Its plans in this area are wide ranging and clearly set out how this challenge is being tackled. Eight in 10 people say that people in Camden get on well together, and are satisfied with their local area as a place to live. This is better than similar areas. The numbers of local people who take part in civic activities and who volunteer are high (London Borough of Camden, 2008).

Enfield Council

The Council is responsible for providing services to around 290,000 people who live in Enfield and to many more who work or study in the Borough. It is responsible for community safety at a time when the “fear of crime” is a major concern; for the education of children in 88 schools; and for the care of vulnerable people across the entire age range.

The Council has a clear vision for the area that is lead by strong political and managerial leadership. The focus is rightly on delivering high quality and efficient services, many of which are already delivering at a high level. Officers and members work well together. The Council has an excellent understanding of local people's needs and uses this knowledge well to shape front-line services. Governance arrangements are sound. The Council's committee and scrutiny structure is well-established. There is effective challenge and review where appropriate. Councillors are able to tackle difficult issues and make difficult decisions.

Organisations Assessment in Detail

The both Councils continue to deliver strong improvements in services for older people, children's services, tackling crime, homelessness and regenerating the area. These improvements build on its strong track record. Partnership working is excellent and has delivered important outcomes for local people such as improved access to health services. The Council is working in partnership to ensure that council houses in Camden meet the Government's Decent Homes standard. Its plans in this area are wide ranging and clearly set out how this challenge is being tackled. Eight in 10 people say that people in Camden get on well together, and are satisfied with their local area as a place to live. This is better than similar areas. The numbers of local people who take part in civic activities and who ...