Renfrewshire must be clear on service impacts and costs following failings in Dargavel
Renfrewshire Council has taken action to rebuild the trust of local people following its significant failings in providing school accommodation for Dargavel Village. But concerns remain about a lack of transparency over the potential impacts on finances and services as the council must now fund an expansion of school provision there.
It will cost an estimated £60 million to rectify the failings of the Dargavel school project. The council now needs to develop a financial plan that sets out actions to mitigate the additional costs and be clear on the wider impacts on services.
A follow-up report by the Accounts Commission says concerns remain about the council’s engagement with communities. Whilst there’s a clear commitment to engage with communities, rebuilding trust will take time. The Commission urges the council to demonstrate that it will both listen and act on the breadth and strength of views. Feedback received must be reflected in decision-making processes.
It is too early to conclude on the impact and effectiveness of action taken by the council in response to the Bowles report. We will continue to monitor the impact of changes to governance and scrutiny arrangements, the council’s leadership programme and response to the review of its community engagement. This work includes a wider Best Value report on the council’s services and finances at the end of 2024.
Andrew Burns, Deputy Chair of the Accounts Commission said:
Whilst it’s clear action is being taken to address the cultures and behaviours that resulted in the failures of school provision, now the council must demonstrate sustained change and improvement in the longer-term.
Councillors have a critical leadership role. To help ensure they fulfil their scrutiny and decision-making responsibilities, councillors must have access to, and take up, appropriate training and development. This is vital to ensure historic failures of leadership and governance at the council are not repeated.
