It might run counter to the perception of some Bradfordians, but the Council is actually doing a rather good job. The new Audit Commission report on the way the authority has been performing over the last 12 months shows an improvement on the previous year - a year which itself drew positive comments from the commission.

With progress being maintained in 2003 in various areas (particularly education, regeneration and social care) the Council has every right to look a little bit pleased with itself - although there is no cause for smugness. There is still a way to go before the authority can give itself an unqualified pat on the back.

An Audit Commission report summed up by the overall comment "Good", though, is no bad way to round off the year. It adds to the growing body of evidence that at last things are starting to come right for Bradford.

A lot is due to happen next year. Work is set to start on the Broadway development, which is so important to Bradford's regeneration plans. The long campaign to rescue and restore Lister's Mill seems set to produce practical results at last. There has been a notable improvement in educational standards, as demonstrated by the encouraging Key Stage 3 results for 14-year-olds reported yesterday.

After a long spell in the doldrums, Bradford is on the move. There is no shortage of pointers for those who care to look for them. It seems that 2003 could turn out to be the year the district turned the corner. Let's hope that 2004 confirms that, and builds on it even further.