They found the Council is tackling deprivation through regeneration, provides good education in schools, is improving health, meeting older peoples’ needs and is helping reducing crime.

They said the Council also works well with partners and local people, provides strong community leadership and has succeeded in creating confidence and a ‘sense of place’ in the area.

At the same time another team of inspectors looking at services for children and young people classed it was a good place for children and young people to grow up in. They studied not only what the council provides but looked at services from all agencies to see how well they work together.

Audit Commission senior manager, Lynne Snowball, said: “It is encouraging to see the progress that the Council is making in tackling the many issues that still face Gateshead. The quality of services is improving, particularily in areas that the Council has identified as being the greatest priority.

“Educational attainment in schools is very good and there have been siginificant reducations in crime over the last two years. Political and managerial leadership is strong and there is a strong focus on working with a wide range of partners to achieve the necessary improvements for all who live and work in the borough.�

Council Leader, Councillor Mick Henry, said he welcomed the report and added that the Council was already dealing with those areas where inspectors said the Council could get even better.

“Most people are aware of the Council’s role delivering major projects on Gateshead Quays, but I am pleased this inspection highlights the important work we do every day with our partners to provide the good quality essential services that local people rely on,� he said.

“We are already tackling their suggestions, like directing effort into areas of greatest need, through our neighbourhood management initiatives which will deliver services which are more responsive to what people want in their area.�

As well as council services the inspectors also looked at partners, including Gateshead Primary Care Trust, Gateshead NHS Trust, Northumbria Police, Northumbria Probation, Connexions Tyne and Wear, Learning and Skills Council, schools, Gateshead College and voluntary organisations.

Highlighted in the reports were the following points:

The council works well with partners and local people, and has succeeded in creating confidence in the area.
It is successfully tackling deprivation through regeneration, improving health, meeting older peoples’ needs and helping reduce crime.
Gateshead is a good place for children and young people to grow up, with very good education in schools and services work well together.
The Council provides strong community leadership and its political and managerial leadership is a strength.
It has strong partnerships to provide for children and young people and these have been effective at improving services.
Young people achieving five of more A* to C grades in their GCSEs is impressive
Perinatal and infant mortality rates are below national average and decreasing
Teenage pregnancy rates have fallen faster that the national average
Youth nuisance incidents are falling and re-offending rates and offending amongst looked after children is lower than that of similar areas
Children and young people are encouraged to establish positive relationships and take part in activities that nurture a sense of responsibility
Opportunities for the most vulnerable groups of children and young people to have their views heard are established and improving
There are effective integrated services for children and young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities
Children in need of protection and family support benefit from a timely response from social care