WAVENEY District Council has been revealed as one of the worst performing district councils in England for financial management, while eight other authorities locally improved their score.

WAVENEY District Council has been revealed as one of the worst performing district councils in England for financial management, while eight other authorities locally improved their score.

Waveney was awarded an overall grade of just one - the maximum is four - for the second consecutive year in the “use of resources” report by the Audit Commission. Only seven other councils scored as low.

Meanwhile the following councils were among only 13pc across England to improve their score: Breckland, Fenland, Forest Heath, Mid Suffolk, North Norfolk, Norwich, South Norfolk and Yarmouth.

Norwich was awarded a grade of two for 2008, having been rated at one for the previous two years.

As well as providing an overall mark, the Audit Commission graded councils on five themes.

Waveney scored one for financial reporting, management and standing, and two for internal control and value for money.

Norwich was rated one for financial reporting and management, and two in the other categories.

Phil Harris, spokesman for Waveney, said: “The information in this report reflects the 12 months from April 2007 to March 2008, during which time this council announced and commenced a comprehensive financial recovery programme and introduced a highly respected and experienced new strategic management team.

“Given how far we have come in the nine months since then, we are confident that the Audit Commission will acknowledge our improvements in the forthcoming, and far more up to date, 'Direction of Travel' assessment which reflects the 12 month period to December 2008.”

Alan Waters, executive member for corporate resources and governance at Norwich City Council, said: “This is an important milestone for us. The council has put in a lot of work and come a long way on its journey to improve its overall financial accountability.”

City Hall's finances have been in turmoil in previous years, with auditors refusing to sign off its accounts. Since 2006, however, the authority has co-operated fully with the Audit Commission and acted on all its recommendations.

Overall scores for other local councils were: (last year's score in brackets): Breckland 3 (2), Broadland 3 (3), Fenland 3 (2), Forest Heath 3 (2), Yarmouth 2 (1), King's Lynn and West Norfolk 2 (2), Mid Suffolk 3 (2), North Norfolk 3 (2), South Norfolk 3 (2), St Edmundsbury 3 (3).