South Ayrshire Council must address its weaknesses and serious financial position
The Accounts Commission says that while leadership at South Ayrshire Council is showing improvement and some services perform well the council has weaknesses which pose significant risks and must be addressed.
The findings follow the Commission’s consideration of the Best Value audit report compiled by Audit Scotland. This is the first time this council has had a Best Value and Community Planning audit.
The Commission notes improvements in leadership, as a result of recent senior appointments and more effective cross-party working amongst councillors. Joint working is producing some positive outcomes in disadvantaged neighbourhoods and some services, such as education and waste recycling, perform well. The council has also developed greater self-awareness of its weaknesses.
However, Chair of the Accounts Commission, John Baillie, said:
“We are concerned to note South Ayrshire Council's position. It has made limited progress towards delivering best value and faces severe financial pressures. These are significant risks and will make it challenging for the council to make the improvements needed.”
The Commission has a number of areas of concern, including:
- The council's serious financial situation, resulting from inadequate financial planning over a number of years.
- The council does not have the tools required to deliver best value and does not manage its resources, risks and performance effectively.
- Little effective scrutiny of performance by councillors.
- The lack of a culture of continuous improvement.
- The need to develop community planning and joint working with partners and neighbouring councils.
- The lack of clarity in the roles of councillors and officers. There is also a need for both councillors and senior officers to establish more effective corporate working and leadership.
- The lack of consistent, good quality customer care.
As is usual, the next step in the process is for the council to prepare an improvement plan. The Commission has also asked for a follow-up report to update it on progress at the council in a year's time.
