Progress at Falkirk needs to continue

Falkirk Council has responded encouragingly to previous concerns but needs effective leadership to deliver its five-year improvement programme, says the Accounts Commission.

A new report published today is the third in three years by the local authority watchdog on how Falkirk is meeting the legal duty on all councils to demonstrate best value in what they do.

The report says there is good commitment from councillors and officers to the transformation programme, although it is too early to assess progress in implementing it. Improvements have been made in financial planning and performance reporting.

Falkirk needs to make significant savings of £77.5 million over the next five years. The Commission said more clarity is needed on how the savings will be delivered by the improvement programme.

Graham Sharp, chair of the Accounts Commission, said:

"Falkirk has made encouraging progress over the last year.

"However, there is a lot more work still to be done. Effective leadership is essential to ensure the improvement programme continues moving from planning to delivery."

Progress at Falkirk will be monitored through its annual audit.