Some improvements at Argyll & Bute Council but insufficient progress overall
The Accounts Commission's findings say that the council still has much to do and must increase its pace of change to establish Best Value for local people.
The report follows the initial report into Best Value & Community Planning at the council, published in February 2006. This found that the council had made limited progress in establishing Best Value and needed to become more outward looking and responsive to people using its services.
The Commission acknowledges recent improvements in leadership and strategic direction and the work of the newly appointed Chief Executive. It also highlights the council’s innovative approach to its audit committee, with the appointment of external, non-executive members as Chair and Vice Chair.
However, it says that progress has been insufficient in a number of key areas and there remains much to be done to develop a culture of continuous improvement.
The council’s ability to effectively manage its own performance is still of concern. It does not yet have a fully functioning performance management system and needs to develop systems and processes for this.
Other areas needing particular attention are risk management, learning from other organisations, reporting to the public on its performance, putting into action strategies for workforce and asset management and developing the role of Area Committees.
Chairman of the Accounts Commission, John Baillie, said: “Argyll & Bute Council is working towards providing Best Value for local people. There have been improvements since our last report, such as in political leadership and strategic direction, and in the work of the new Chief Executive.
“However, overall insufficient progress has been made since we last reported in 2006. Much more needs to be done and the council needs to increase its pace of change. We encourage the council to act on the areas highlighted in the report and in our findings.”
Progress will continue to be monitored through routine audits.
