Publication: West Dunbartonshire: the Audit of Best Value and Community Planning

In the Accounts Commission for Scotland findings on the extent to which West Dunbartonshire Council is meeting its Best Value duties the Commission finds that the council is not currently in a position to deliver Best Value and must accept the need for effective leadership and for external assistance.

The findings follow the Commission’s Hearing at Clydebank Town Hall, West Dunbartonshire on 29 and 30 November. When the Commission considered the Controller of Audit’s report it decided a Hearing would be the best course of action in light of all the circumstances of this case, including representations received.

This was the first time the Commission held a Hearing as part of a Best Value and Community Planning audit. Its primary was to assist the Commission to make findings by listening to appropriate evidence. At the Hearing the Commission heard evidence from Audit Scotland, the council Leader, Chief Executive and former Chief Executive, Labour and Opposition councillors, Jackie Baillie MSP, John McFall MP, trade union representatives, the Community Planning partnership manager and community representatives.