The Moray Council makes progress with Best Value but still has some way to go

In its follow-up report on Best Value at The Moray Council, published today, the Accounts Commission acknowledges improvement in the council’s corporate leadership and strategic direction, but says that there are still areas of concern.

Commenting on the report’s findings Accounts Commission Deputy Chair Isabelle Low said:

“In our February 2006 report we said The Moray Council still had a long way to go to be in a position to deliver Best Value to local people. Significant work was needed to create a culture of continuous improvement.

“This follow-up report shows that the council is starting to move in the right direction. But the Commission does have continuing areas of concern. Many of the changes introduced have been driven by officers, with not so much evidence of councillors’ commitment. Since the local elections, many of the councillors are new and have the opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to Best Value and develop their corporate role in the council’s affairs.”

In its February 2006 report the Commission highlighted a number of recommendations. These included:

  • Identifying clear priorities and concentrating on the essential steps to achieve them
  • Developing political and corporate leadership skills in councillors and senior management
  • Implementing the consistent use of comprehensive performance measures

Today’s report charts progress to May 2007. It acknowledges improvement in the council’s corporate leadership and strategic direction, in particular:

  • the publication of a Community Plan
  • training programmes for elected members and senior officers
  • improvements to performance management arrangements
  • new political management arrangements
  • progress on strategic priorities such as flood prevention projects and agreement on single status

But the Commission points to continuing areas of concern, particularly:

  • the need for consistent, strategic leadership by elected members
  • the need to develop a systematic approach to demonstrating competitiveness
  • the need for a more systematic approach to prioritise and manage strategic priorities
  • the need to accept the value of external support to help deliver its improvement agenda