URL: https://democracy.runnymede.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=880

Decision Maker: Standards and Audit Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee was asked to note the positive outcome of the recent corporate peer challenge (CPC) and approval was sought to recommend to Council that the action plan attached at Appendix B of the Officer’s report be approved.   Members recalled the very recent visit of the CPC during October 2024.  Members were advised that hosting a CPC at least every five years was recognised in the sector as assisting councils to meet their Best Value duty and as the last such visit was in 2019, another exercise was timely.  This has also provided additional evidence in support of the Council’s response to the non-statutory Best Value Notice received in Dec 2023 and in particular met the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's requirement for an external governance review.   The CPC had focussed on five key areas: local priorities and outcomes, organisational and place leadership, governance and culture, financial planning and management, and capacity for improvement.   The Committee noted the overall messages and observations made by the CPC and the seven outcome recommendations, most of which were either in place, planned for or underway.  These had been translated to an action plan, which because of its cross-cutting nature, Officers considered it appropriate to seek the approval of the full Council thereon.   It was noted that an update on progress of the action plan would be brought to the Committee in 2025 ahead of the follow-up visit of the CPC team.   The Committee was pleased to recommend to the Council approval of the action plan accordingly.   The Chair proposed a vote of thanks from the Committee to Sarah Hall for her exemplary work which was supported by all the Members present.   Resolved that –   i)          the LGA’s Corporate Peer Challenge report be noted; and   ii)         the proposed action plan shown at Appendix B of the report, be agreed for recommendation to full Council on 19 December 2024

Date of Decision: November 28, 2024