The Cabinet has decided to approve the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge 2026 Action Plan to ensure continuous improvement and meet the Council's improvement objectives.

URL: https://sandwell.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1189

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan following full report and recommendations.

Content: Reasons for Recommendations Local authorities were expected to undertake a peer challenge at least once every five years, supporting the Council in meeting its Best Value Duty under the Local Government Act 1999 to “make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness”. It also provided ongoing external assurance following the conclusion of government intervention two years ago and contributes to the Councils continued progress towards becoming an outstanding council.   At the conclusion of Sandwell Council’s CPC, the LGA set out expected timelines for the publication of their final report (within three months) and for an action plan to respond to the recommendations (within five months). The report was published in March 2026, within the expected timeframe. The action plan was therefore expected to be developed and published by no later than 22 June 2026. Since the receipt of the Peer Team's final report, the Council had been developing the actions to respond to the recommendations - in many cases this was a development or realignment of existing activities to address known areas for improvement. Following the local elections in May 2026 and the change of dates for Cabinet meetings, in agreement from the LGA publication of the Action Plan had been deferred to July 2026 to allow for consideration by Cabinet at its July meeting.   The peer team’s initial feedback described Sandwell’s progress over recent years as “remarkable.” Their reflections were overwhelmingly positive, noting how genuinely moved they were by the passion and energy demonstrated by everyone they met.   The report identified that the peer team found that Sandwell Council had undergone a remarkable organisational, cultural and leadership transformation. The peer team found a council that was now credible, confident, professional and ambitious, widely recognised by partners and staff as fundamentally different from the organisation that was previously under Government intervention. Staff described a dramatic positive shift in culture, behaviours and morale.   The peer team recognised the substantial improvement achieved but emphasised the need to maintain momentum. Stating a continued focus on culture, governance safeguards, and high-quality recruitment will be essential to avoid regression. The Council’s ambition to be “outstanding” was highlighted as commendable, but it was noted that further work was needed to define what “outstanding” means for Sandwell’s services, outcomes, and communities. Overall, the peer team reported strong evidence that the Council was well positioned to meet the borough’s challenges, with a motivated workforce and leadership committed to sustained improvement.   Alternative Options Considered An alternative option would be to not to complete and approve an action plan to respond to the recommendations from the Peer Review. Without a comprehensive and overarching action plan to track activity and accountability, there would be no assurance mechanism to ensure progress or opportunity to align existing activity towards improvement. This would not support the Council’s journey to ’outstanding’. It would also be a risk to the Council being able to demonstrate it was delivering its Best Value Duty. This option was not recommended.   Resolved:-     (1)  that approval is given to the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge 2026 Action Plan and associated governance and monitoring arrangements to oversee delivery and ensure achievement of the Council’s improvement objectives;   (2)  that Cabinet recognise that the Local Government Association will conduct a follow up visit in late Autumn 2026.    

Date of Decision: July 15, 2026