A "DIFFICULT year is being overcome", says the Leader of Redditch Council after it was rated as "fair" in a recent performance assessment.

Councillor David Cartwright spoke of his confidence in the council's future after receiving the Audit Commission's comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) for last year.

The CPA, which inspects district councils' overall performances, rates each as excellent, good, fair or poor.

Mr Cartwright said: "We feel very confident we are improving all the time and are overcoming a difficult year.

"Inspectors said the two main areas in which we needed to improve were crime and transport and we have already taken steps towards this."

Mr Cartwright said the council had also helped fund additional anti-social behaviour officers and community safety officers.

He added concessionary bus fares had been reinstated and taxi bus services were set to be introduced during the early part of next year.

The council was also praised for the "good condition" of its homes, with almost all meeting the decent homes standard.

The CPA recognised its engagement with younger people and possession of a "vision" which reflected people's needs.

Mr Cartwright said: "We are pleased things we know we are succeeding in were recognised in the assessment.

"Whenever inspectors looked at an actual service delivery, we scored well."

He added: "Inspectors were impressed by our strong ambitions and inspiration and our job this year is to fulfil these."