LANCASHIRE County Council has been praised by the district auditor for its handling of management and accounts.

The law requires an audit to be carried out each year and the results of the 1994/95 examination were presented to the council this week.

The report commented: "The tradition of excellence in financial arrangements in the county council continues." And it goes on to add: "Overall management arrangements are sound and a healthy culture exists for the achievement of economy, efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery."

In social services, the county council is commanded for being ahead of many other authorities in implementing a voluntary register scheme for inspecting domiciliary agencies. The report also comments that social services had given commendable attention to investment in information technology and training for staff.

County council leader Louise Ellman promised: "We will continue to seek improvements to maintain and enhance the high standards already achieved ins serving the public of Lancashire."

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