Author: Shirley James

Best Value Assurance Report Highland Council

Since 2010 the pace of change has been inconsistent and disappointing.
Needs to make savings of up to £77.3 million by 2023.
The performance of many services, notably education, has been declining.
The council needs to get better at finding out why and making improvements.

There are real challenges ahead including:
The council has struggled to make savings.
Getting better at understanding and reporting its performance and driving forward service improvements.
Working closely with staff and local communities to make the changes required.

The council have recently started to make a lot of changes.

"It will be very challenging for the council to meet all of its commitments and priorities." - Andrew Burns, member of the Accounts Commission

What happens next?
The Accounts Commission will keep a close interest on progress made by the council.
Auditors will report on progress throughout the year.