PEOPLE living in the New Forest are getting excellent value for money from their council, according to an annual audit.

New Forest District Council came eighth in the rankings for its use of resources.

A report by the government's Audit Commission which went before the council's Cabinet meeting said: "The council is delivering high quality services for generally low cost and this includes achieving high levels of customer satisfaction."

The report recognised the council was fully aware of the need to give value for money.

It referred to plans for further improvements and highlighted high standards in many areas.

The district housing department was rated as "generally above average" compared to other councils with tenants very satisfied with the overall service.

Clean streets also caught the eye of the audit team, who put the Forest's towns and villages among the top quarter of districts nationally.

Its refuse collection teams played their part in the struggle to achieve a 30 per cent target for recycling and action to move abandoned cars as quickly as possible was another issue picked up during the audit.

In addition, the Forest has continued to strengthen its reputation as a low crime area.

The report noted the council was working with other agencies to hit targets and continuing to fund its effective closed-circuit TV system as well as "making effective use" of anti-social behaviour orders which curb the activities of persistent offenders.

Council leader, Mel Kendal, welcomed the report and said: "It is particularly gratifying that the latest annual report says we are continuing to improve.

"I have always been concerned that we as a council, rated "excellent" a few years ago, should never become complacent and this report proves that our excellent staff continue to seek ways to improve our services to the public."