OXFORDSHIRE County Council has been rated as a three star authority that is “improving well”, according to the Audit Commission.

The rating is contained in the public spending watchdog’s annual assessment of unitary councils and county councils in England.

County Hall was once a four star “excellent-rated” authority.

However, it was judged to be a three-star council after inspections last year, the same score it received as in 2007. Neighbouring West Berkshire received three stars, while Buckinghamshire has improved to become an “excellent” four-star council.

The commission praised Oxfordshire’s record on staff sickness, while adult social care was said to be “providing positive outcomes across all care groups”.

The authority’s response to flooding incidents in the past two years was said to demonstrate the robustness of plans to deal with the effects of climate change.

Council leader Keith Mitchell said: “This report paints a picture of a very strong council that spends Oxfordshire residents’ money very responsibly with careful planning and an eye for detail. That’s the basis for absolutely everything. Without that solid foundation, no council can thrive.

“Make no mistake, this council is thriving. It has been praised across the board for the quality of its services.

"Nonetheless we still want improvement. We want to be among the best in the country. That’s what the people of Oxfordshire deserve.”