AN annual audit into Darlington Council’s accounts has found the authority is operating well and represents good value for money.

The 2011/2012 audit was undertaken by independent auditors Pricewaterhouse Coopers to assess the council on its account and risk management alongside other aspects of corporate financial and organisational management.

It concluded that the council represented "unqualified value for money" and that there were ‘no significant deficiencies’ which needed reporting to the Audit Committee.

Members of the council’s cabinet will formally receive the annual audit letter at a meeting next Tuesday, January 8.

Coun Steve Harker, deputy leader and cabinet member for Efficiency and Resources, said: “The annual audit is an independent ‘health check’ on how the council is managing its accounts and public money.

“Once again, we have been given a clean bill of health and have received independent confirmation that we are managing money well.

“This is particularly important as we are now entering a complex year – where we will continue to manage a number of externally funded investment projects, such as the new cinema complex, alongside managing major cuts to funding for public services.”