Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) provides good services but needs to make better progress in implementing Best Value

In a report published today, the Accounts Commission says while Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has put some of the basic building blocks in place for providing Best Value, there remain significant aspects requiring better progress.

The Commission last assessed the Comhairle’s Best Value arrangements in 2006. Since then there has been slow progress overall. In particular, the culture of challenge and improvement remains underdeveloped. While the Comhairle responds well to external appraisal through audit and inspection, it remains reactive rather than proactive in identifying and implementing improvements.

Today’s findings state that there needs to be a systematic approach to continuous improvement activity, supported by good arrangements for managing performance. A longer term strategic financial plan needs to be developed. Councillors should be more active in ensuring that improvements are made and the chief executive and corporate management team’s leadership should be clearer and more visible, to show that the Comhairle is fully ready for the future challenges that it faces.

Chair of the Accounts Commission, John Baillie said:

“Overall there has been slow progress in putting in place arrangements to ensure Best Value. This is disappointing and needs to be rectified. Nevertheless, the Comhairle has strong political and community leadership, its financial management and governance arrangements are in good order and most services perform well. The Comhairle also understands that improvements have still to be made. We have asked for a further audit to report on the progress made in around 12 months’ time.”