Oxford City Council's financial reporting is among the worst in the country, according to official statistics released today by the Audit Commission, the public spending watchdog.

The Town Hall scored an overall two-star rating in an assessment of its use of resources.

However, it received a one-star rating for its financial reporting.

West Oxfordshire District Council was also given an overall two-star rating and one star for its financial reporting..

The Audit Commission scores councils from zero to four stars in an annual look at the way they run their affairs.

The score awarded to Oxford - for the year 2008 - is the same as it received in 2007.

Cherwell and Vale councils were awarded three stars, both overall and fior their financial reporting.

South Oxfordshire District Council was given and overall two-star rating and one for its financial reporting.

Oxfordshire County Council was awarded three stars, but was given a two-star rating for the way it runs its children and young people department.

In 2006, County Hall was rated an "excellent" four-star authority, but was docked a star in 2007.