AN independent assessor has praised Fenland District Council for its customer service.

Sue Dowey, on behalf of emqc Ltd, compiled a 12-page report examining whether the council has continued to comply with the national standards for Customer Service Excellence over the past year.

The report followed a two-day visit to the district in which Ms Dowey met council staff, partners and members of the public.

She commended council staff for their commitment and their “passion and desire to provide the best possible customer experience at what are difficult times for local government organisations”.

She said: “It is true to say that staff feel that customer service is paramount to the services they provide, albeit internally there are issues resulting from the Government’s spending review that is having an impact on staffing and resources.

“I feel that the current local government climate could impact on frontline services but this certainly doesn’t appear to be the case at Fenland District Council.”

Councillor John Clark, FDC’s portfolio holder responsible for quality organisation, said: “These are undoubtedly hard times for all local authorities, including ourselves.

“But this independent report proves that despite the many challenges the council faces we are continuing to provide excellent services to the people of Fenland.”

Ms Dowey singled out Community House in Wisbech for special praise, saying it is “an excellent example of going that extra mile to help and support customers who live in a deprived area of the Fenland council services”.

But the report said more could be done to market Fenland as a place to run a business or live.

Council Leader Councillor Alan Melton said: “This report couldn’t have been better. But it just confirms what we know already - namely that we have a terrific team of officers doing a great job in very difficult circumstances.”