BROMSGROVE District Ccouncil received a pat on the back in an annual report carried out by its external auditors.

Independent finance experts KPMG have commended the authority for its continuing bid to provide quality services at a low cost to residents.

Council leader Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) said: "We went into top gear during the year to ensure we strengthened our commitment to Best Value and improved our finance and revenue decisions.

"Our efforts have been rewarded and the auditors have acknowledged the substantial improvements which we have achieved and have approved the council's accounts for 2000/2001 without qualification."

However, twelve months ago it was quite a different picture; then the auditors expressed concerns, highlighting the council's financial shortfalls.

Leader of the opposition Labour group Cllr Peter Macdonald (Uffdown and Waseley) was, however unsatisfied following this year's improved report.

He said: "The district council can consider itself fortunate that KPMG did not take over administrative functions as they threatened to do so last year.

"The council has still failed to produce factual figures in relation to Best Value.

"It has also failed to implement its own internal audit recommendations and as yet, to develop a financial strategy."

The KPMG report will be discussed at a meeting tonight at the Council House in Burcot Lane starting at 6pm.