POWYS County Council’s Registration Service has been highly praised by its national governing body in its annual review and for its work responding to coronavirus

The General Register Office’s Compliance and Performance Unit praised the Powys service for exceeding all performance targets during 2019/20 and for its response to the pressures of the outbreak.

In the review the performance unit praised the council service stating: “It is extremely gratifying to note your excellent performance during 2019/20 exceeding all key performance targets in respect of appointment availability at 100 per cent and the timeliness of registrations - births 100 per cent, still birth 100 per cent and Medical Certificate Cause of Death (MCCD) 91 per cent.

“We recognise the continued use of daily performance monitoring and associated data analysis; proactive diary management and seasonality planning whilst fully engaging with community stakeholders which, as well as improving levels of customer access has positively impacted on MCCD timeliness by four per cent resulting in the service now exceeding the key performance targets.”

Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance and Engagement, Councillor Graham Breeze said: “I am delighted with the service’s tremendous work during an unprecedented time. To achieve 100 per cent targets during any period would be cause for celebration but to do that during a pandemic is outstanding.

“The service, along with the rest of the council, will face even more pressures as we move into the recovery phase of the pandemic, but I am confident they will respond to the challenge with professionalism. I congratulate them for their work.”