SOUTH Lakeland District Council provides value for money for residents, according to an audit report.

The authority is 'performing well' in the way it manages public money and prioritises resources, said auditors from Grant Thornton.

“The council has robust systems and processes to manage financial risks and opportunities, and to secure a stable financial position that enables it to continue to operate for the foreseeable future," says their report.

“The council achieved an underspend in 2013/14 showing it has a good record of reducing expenditure in all areas.”

Taking account of inflation, the council has had a real terms reduction of more than 40 per cent in government funding since 2010/11. During this period Council Tax has been frozen and councillors have pledged to maintain this freeze.

The council spent £1.4m less than projected for 2013/14 because of savings on staff, and general running costs such as vehicles, IT and consultancy.

Grant Thornton also highlighted the robust processes which had reduced sickness levels for the third year in a row from 10.28 days per employee in 2009/10 to 6.5 days in 2013/14.

SLDC’s chief finance officer Shelagh McGregor, said: “This is a very positive report and it has been achieved because of the hard work being done throughout the organisation."

The audit report can be found at  http://democracy.southlakeland.gov.uk/documents/s8430/ITEM%2010%20External%20Auditors%20Opinion%20Audit%20Findings%202013-14.pdf