COUNCIL bosses in Darlington could be in line for a £2.3m windfall if they meet public service targets over the next three years.
The borough council has signed a Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) - a package of performance targets in a range of services agreed between the Government and the authority.
The agreement was set up to ease red tape problems and give financial incentives to help the council deliver improvements in services.
Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford, council leader John Williams and chief executive Barry Keel signed the deal.
As part of the agreement, the council's targets will include reducing vehicle crime, increasing numbers of pupils achieving five or more GCSE A* - C passes, cutting truancy and improving roads.
The condition of private sector housing and the speed and accuracy of benefits processing will also have to be enhanced.
The council will receive a performance reward grant of £2,360,785 if it meets or exceeds all its targets.
Mr Keel said: "This partnership will enable us to further develop measurable improvements to key services over the next three years that will benefit our community."
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