URL: https://minutes-1.nwleics.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2744

Decision Maker: Corporate Scrutiny Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To report on the Council’s performance during 2024/25 Q1, measured against the indicators as set out in the Council Delivery Plan 2023-2028.

Content: To report on the Council’s performance during 2024/25 Q1, measured against the indicators as set out in the Council Delivery Plan 2023-2028. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development presented the report.   In response to a Member, the Strategic Director of Resources reiterated that the 2021/22 accounts had been published in June 2024, that a value for money opinion would be issued for 2022/23 by the end of September, and that a meeting with Mazars and the Audit and Governance Committee had been scheduled for September 2024 too. The Council’s financial reserves were healthy and its governance structure robust. He also advised Members as to how the auditors would assess value for money, by examining the Council’s financial performance as a totality.   A discussion was had about the definition of ‘a well-run Council’. Officers advised that the definition of ‘a well-run council’ synthesised the work of Oflog and the LGA. The Chair requested further information to clarify specifically how accepted good practice in the local government sector had been incorporated into the Council Delivery Plan which was adopted by full Council for a 4 year term last year.   A Member proposed the following definition and requested that it be placed in the minutes: ‘A well run Council co-ordinates its actions around an overarching vision, underpinned by a thorough and ongoing appraisal of stakeholder needs and aspirations, and provides sound leadership on the local economy, environment and community by championing democracy, value for money, fairness and meaningful opportunity.’   The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development stressed that below the Council Delivery Plan sat a range of service level plans and these were reviewed annually.   The Chair thanked Members for their comments which would be presented to Cabinet on 22 October 2024.  

Date of Decision: August 29, 2024