A GOVERNMENT watchdog report has poured praise on the work of Halton Borough Council during the past year.

Anne Seex, local government ombudsman, who spent 12 months working closely alongside the council, described its efforts in glowing terms.

Her report shows that in the past year HBC received just 18 complaints, none of which contained: “A theme or any cause for concern.”

Anne Seex said: “The number of complaints was too small for me to make any meaningful observations.

“I am grateful to the council for the willingness it has shown to acknowledge when something has gone wrong and to recognise the appropriateness of some form of remedy for the complaint.”

She added: “I thank the council for the effort it has clearly made during the year.”

No issues were reported against the council by the Ombudsman during this time.

The Local Government Ombudsman uses findings from investigation work to help authorities to provide a better service through initiatives such as special reports, training and annual letters.