Audit of Best Value: Inverclyde Council

Inverclyde Council will meet on Thursday 29 June to consider the findings of the Accounts Commission.

Commission findings:

• The Commission accepts the Controller of Audit’s report on the audit of Best Value in Inverclyde Council. We endorse the recommendations set out by the Controller of Audit in his report and expect the Council to act upon them.
• In its new approach to auditing Best Value, the Commission’s expectation of councils is that they are clear on their priorities,

  

  continuously improving their services in line with these, and making best use of their resources. We are pleased that Inverclyde Council has shown progress in the pace, depth and continuity of improvement since our previous Best Value reports. Evidence in the Controller’s report of service improvement driven by targeted investment and based on good use of performance information underlines this positive direction and indicates a culture of performance management within the Council.
• At the core of the progress made by the Council has been a clear long-term vision and effective leadership by elected members and senior officers, together with a strong commitment to working in partnership with other public bodies and local communities. We recognise, however, that the challenges involved in improving outcomes for the people of Inverclyde are substantial. We therefore urge the Council and its partners to ensure that their plans and resources are fully aligned with the desired outcomes and the milestones needed to reach these. In this context we give particular weight to the recommendations in the Controller’s report related to key partnership projects such as those for the City Deal and shared services. Given the strategic importance and complexity of these projects, it is essential that appropriate governance and risk management arrangements are in place for their delivery. We acknowledge that the Council has a sound approach to financial planning and management which has helped identify budget options for decisions still to be taken by councillors. We lend weight to the recommendation that a review of earmarked reserves feature as part of this budget process.
• We encourage the Council to continue its good progress. In line with our new approach to auditing Best Value, we expect the Controller of Audit to monitor this through the annual audit and update the Commission accordingly.

The full audit report is published online at audit-scotland.gov.uk and Inverclyde Council agenda and committee papers are available to view and download at Inverclyde Council website inverclyde.gov.uk in the ‘committees and councillors’ section.

Anyone with an interest is invited to attend and observe the meeting, which will be held at the Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock, Inverclyde PA15 1LY at 4pm on Thursday 29 June 2017.

Page last updated: 20 June 2017