A COUNCIL service has been told it is improving by a Government inspection - but it still has areas in which it can do better.

The administration of Chester-le-Street District Council's revenues and benefits service had been rated as poor just over a year ago by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate.

But inspectors have praised the significant improvement the council has made in the speed and quality of claims processing.

Customers can now have claims processed in about 30 days - it would have taken about 60 days a year ago - and the authority is now among the top 25 per cent in the area.

However, it still needs to tackle strategic management, counter-fraud and internal security.

The report says the appointment of chief executive Roy Templeman in June will increase the impetus.

He said: "Despite it being early days, the council has already made some significant changes.

"It is important to remember that the report is published six months after the inspection and, in the interim, the council has already made some significant strides in addressing issues outlined in the report."

Deputy council leader and finance portfolio holder Councillor Simon Henig said: "The council is working hard to improve its services to members of the public. We have already started making the changes required."