Bradford Council’s accounts have been given a clean bill of health by the Audit Commission. Each year the watchdog assesses the authority’s use of resources and whether it provides value for money. The results of the annual audit letter and the use of resources assessment will be discussed at the next meeting of the Council’s executive on Tuesday. They identify key strengths as well as areas where the Council needs to improve. The Council is performing adequately as minimum requirements have been met. The executive will be asked to agree action plans to address those areas that need improving. Councillor Mohammad Masood, the executive member for corporate services, said: “We are pleased that several strengths have been highlighted in this assessment, but we are also determined to progress in those areas that have been brought to our attention as requiring improvement.” Councillor Ian Greenwood, Labour group leader, said: “The truth is that the Council only meets the absolute minimum requirements. Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: “There are three main areas of concern: the almost inability of the Council to realise the benefits from some of its big projects, such as Bradford-I; whenever big contracts arise we always start off by talking of community benefits but at the end we have no idea what they are; and most worrying is that we still do not have in place a process for keeping to political agreements on its big programmes so the Council could well repeat the failings of the Asset Management Project.” Strengths include: The Council works well with partners to plan resources to deliver strategic priorities and secure financial health. Sound arrangements are in place to make effective use of natural resources. Ensuring projects have enough resources, leadership and expertise to deliver. Successful work with partners locally has resulted in a reduction in almost all types of crime. Positive response to the recession with increased investment in skills and business advice. Could do better: The sharing of learning across the Council so that strong performance in some areas is embedded across the Council. Delivering greater reduction in inequalities between different neighbourhoods. Responding to the health needs of vulnerable groups. Aligning the Council’s IT strategy to the delivery of priorities.