How councils work
Our ‘how councils work’ series of reports aims to stimulate change and provide practical support to help councils continue improving their performance. The topics are based on recurring themes and issues from our Best Value and performance audit work, the work of local auditors and our annual overview report.
Addendum August 2023
Roles and working relationships: are you getting it right? And Follow-up messages for councils - Roles and working relationships in councils - Are you still getting it right?
These reports were published in 2010 and 2016. While the general principles are still relevant today, some of the commentary could be out of date. Hyperlinks in the 'Want to find out more' sections may no longer work but more recent publications may be found by going directly to the website of the relevant agency.
Safeguarding public money: are you getting it right?
Our latest report helps councillors to ensure that sound risk management and financial controls are working to protect public money.
The report from the Accounts Commission found that the need for robust scrutiny of financial management at councils is more important now than ever before. Read more about the report.
Roles and working relationships in councils: are you still getting it right?
The latest in the series is a follow-up to our 2010 report Roles and working relationships: are you getting it right?, and aims to help councillors and officers review their practice and take any action to ensure that their council’s governance remains fit for purpose. As part of the research for the report, the Commission hosted round table discussions to explore how the current local government environment impacts on the governance in councils.
