Good progress at South Ayrshire Council

The Accounts Commission has published its findings on South Ayrshire Council today, following its consideration of the latest update report from Audit Scotland on the council’s progress in meeting its Best Value duties to local people.

The Commission welcomes the good progress made by the council since the last Best Value audit in April 2009, and urges it to continue with this as there is still much to be done.

Chair of the Accounts Commission John Baillie said:

“South Ayrshire Council has made good progress in addressing the improvements needed. Many of the elements for ensuring Best Value are now in place. There is a culture of continuous improvement developing throughout the council; financial stability has improved and a medium-term financial strategy has been developed.”

“However there is much still to be done. As the council recognises, many of the improvement activities and developments are still at an early stage. It now needs to show that its performance is improving and continue with its process of change and improvement.”

Today’s findings also highlight that, along with other councils, South Ayrshire faces significant financial pressures and likely funding gaps which require radical change across the public sector. The Commission says the council must continue to ensure that it has the capacity for strategic improvement, and keep this under review.

The Commission also recommends that the council:

• Moves quickly to ensure that all elements of an effective performance management system are put in place. This would provide improved information to support effective decision-making and scrutiny of performance.
• Develops its strategic approach to reviewing and improving its services and also its capacity to present robust options appraisal.
• Increases its focus on partnership working with neighbouring councils and other public sector bodies to maximise the opportunities here, in order to improve outcomes for its citizens.
• Pays particular attention to developing its processes for engaging with the community.

Audit Scotland also continues to work closely with other scrutiny bodies to deliver a shared risk assessment of South Ayrshire Council. An Assurance and Improvement Plan will be available shortly, and will provide a schedule for audit and inspection work to assess continued progress.