A GOVERNMENT watchdog's report into St Albans District Council has highlighted it “could do better” following a recent assessment.

The recent Audit Commission's probe into the council concluded it is performing adequately only meeting the minimum requirements in four of the five areas judged.

The report, published today, says the council is addressing issues which local people recognise as priorities however public satisfaction is a “little below average” even though people rate St Albans “highly” as a place to live.

Events promoting culture, for example the St Albans festival, are praised and it is described as a “low crime area.”

The council exceeded minimum requirements for managing performance and the report mentions its “good quality of services” provided for local residents but says the council could do better to ensure that it treats all customer equally.

Councillor Robert Donald, leader of the council, said: “I am very pleased having previously achieved a 'good' rating under the Audit Commission's former assessment process, the council has maintained this progress under the new and even more rigorous inspection system.”