Audit inspectors have given Oxfordshire County Council a "fair" rating as part of a nationwide review of local authori- ties.

The Audit Commission published Comprehensive Performance Assessment figures for all county and unitary councils on December 12.

Under the new CPA system, councils can be assessed as excellent, good, fair, weak or poor.

The assessments cover both the quality of services and the way the council is run.

The county council's performance has been assessed as above average.

The Audit Commission's report stated that "the council has some good service achievements".

The council was graded two out of four for the way it is run.

The report, which was based on an assessment in May 2002, said: "Oxfordshire County Council is embarking on an ambitious improvement programme."

It added: "There is a new energy and optimism in the organisation."

It also stated that councillors were committed to carrying out necessary changes.

Chief executive Richard Shaw said: "I am pleased that the report recognises the progress we are making in Oxfordshire and our determination to be an outstanding authority.

"We have made further improvements since the inspectors were here in May, and I am confident that this will be reflected in their next assessment of us in 2003."

Council leader Keith Mitchell said: "The report confirms that we are doing well, but can do better.

"Our ambition is to be among the best -- this is what the people of Oxfordshire deserve.

"To achieve this there will need to be much hard work over coming months.

"But there is a real desire within the council to build on what we already do well, and make improvements."