Town Hall bosses have been told to try harder by independent inspectors who labelled the running and delivery of council services in Harold and throughout the borough as "weak".
A comprehensive annual study of Havering Borough Council found that despite some improvements it was still ranked among the bottom 20 per cent of councils nationwide.
A report published by the Audit Commission said: "The way that Havering London Borough Council is run and the delivery of services has been assessed as weak."
Overall the report showed the borough's key services had stood still since 2002 except for Education - where Havering received top marks and was commended for having some of the best schools in the country - and 'Use of Resources' which had shown an improvement.
Despite being labelled as weak Havering councillors were putting on a brave face and pointing out they were at least moving in the right direction.
Council leader Cllr Eric Munday said: "We welcome this independent analysis of our progress. I am extremely pleased that the score has improved for Havering because I know how hard both staff and members have been working to implement systems and procedures to help the council improve.
"I have always said that the necessary cultural change will take time but the ultimate beneficiaries will be the residents of Havering. Already they are seeing a difference."
The Audit Commission's report said the council had "demonstrated a willingness to make improvements" and noted that financial and performance management had improved along with public access to services.
Published Thursday January 8, 2004
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