URL: https://democracy.runnymede.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1111

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee received for information the results of the 2025 self-assessment against the Council’s Best Value duty, under the Local Government Act 1999.   Members recalled that in May 2024, statutory guidance was published by the government which provided greater clarity to the local government sector on how to fulfil the Best Value Duty by describing what constituted best value and the standards expected by the Government. Subsequently, the Council developed a robust mechanism to deliver an organisational self-assessment against the Best Value duty.   Officers advised that the self-assessment toolkit was a key deliverable in response to the non-statutory Best Value Notice, with the aim of demonstrating organisational self-awareness and identifying opportunities for improvement.  Officers had repeated the exercise in 2025, assessing the Council against 69 characteristics across the seven themes identified in the statutory guidance.    Officers reported that the updated assessment involved extensive engagement across the organisation, and a database of over 400 documents contained evidence of all the work undertaken to support the self-assessment and the resulting ‘heatmap’ illustrating that clear improvements had been made.   Officers highlighted that Complaints Handling had moved from Yellow to Dark Green (which was a positive change), following the introduction of a new system aligned with Ombudsman standards.  In addition, the Corporate Peer Challenge was delivered, noting a follow up visit was imminent.   The Committee noted actions in relation to the staff “My Experience Matters” survey and agreed that Innovative Service Design was evidenced for example with the award-nominated financial inclusion and debt recovery work in the Revenue and benefits team as well as the introduction of steps to use AI technology to support Officers.   Officers confirmed that owing to local government reorganisation across Surrey, it was proposed not to repeat the self-assessment in 2026/27.  Instead, focus would shift to ensuring readiness for transition to the new unitary authority.   Officers were thanked for the detailed report and the positive message that the Council remained a well-functioning authority, committed to delivering Best Value and continuous improvement.  

Date of Decision: September 23, 2025