Accounts Commission announces findings following latest Best Value audit of West Dunbartonshire Council

On Wednesday 17 June, the Accounts Commission met and considered the Controller of Audit’s latest report on Best Value and Community Planning at the council. This report tracks progress since January 2008 and is the second follow up since serious problems were identified in the first Best Value audit report and the Accounts Commission’s public Hearing and findings.

The Commission has now drawn up its current findings, based on this latest report. Its view is that there are some positive aspects to the council’s work, but overall it has made insufficient progress.

A number of services, including education, social work and benefits administration, continue to demonstrate good levels of performance. Some progress has been made in other areas too, including improved corporate working and increased capacity at senior officer level.

John Baillie, Chair of the Accounts Commission, said:

"It’s important to recognise that West Dunbartonshire Council has some services that perform well, showing the positive commitment of council staff. In aggregate, however, there has been insufficient progress against key improvement priorities identified in the 2008 audit report.

"We believe the lack of progress is because the relationships between councillors and the nature of the political conflict among councillors are having a negative effect on the operation and development of the council.

"Councillors across the political spectrum have not demonstrated the corporate leadership required. There has also been limited progress in developing working relationships between councillors and senior officers.

"These issues are inhibiting improvement and, until they are resolved, the council will not achieve the necessary shift in attitude and focus required to deliver best value for the people of West Dunbartonshire."

The Accounts Commission recommends the council seek external assistance from the local government community and elsewhere. It says that other councils that have experienced difficulties in implementing Best Value have benefited from external assistance and so, as a matter of urgency, the council should secure appropriate external support from peers (both councillors and officers) and others to address its significant problems.

The Commission has asked the Controller of Audit to monitor the council’s response to this report and the Commission will consider a further report from the Controller of Audit in due course.

John Baillie concluded:

"We have now published 32 Best Value audit reports and findings, and nine follow-up reports. West Dunbartonshire Council is the only case to date where a follow-up report and findings has led the Commission seriously to criticise the lack of progress. This underlines both the significance of the difficulties facing the council and the need for immediate action."

The council is now required to consider these findings at a full council meeting, to be held within three months.