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Accounts Commission concern at East Lothian’s limited progress |
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Tuesday, 16 October 2007 |
East Lothian Council is making limited progress towards establishing Best Value, the Accounts Commission for Scotland has found.
In its first report on Best Value and Community Planning at the council, the Commission finds that, as East Lothian has many inherent advantages, such as relatively high employment and life expectancy rates, low rates of deprivation and crime, good transport links and an attractive environment, it is of “particular concern” that the council is performing below the Scottish average.
Accounts Commission deputy chair Isabelle Low said: “East Lothian Council has so far made limited progress in establishing Best Value for its local population, which is of particular concern considering its advantages. And its lack of openness and lack of leadership have not served it well.
“However, with significant changes in political leadership since the May 2007 elections and plans for a review of senior management with the departure of the chief executive, the council now has a very good opportunity to introduce a programme of change and development to achieve Best Value. We urge the council to make the most of this and consider the options it has for external assistance, including learning from best practice in the local government community.”
The Commission says the issues the council should address immediately include a more open and transparent decision making process, with members and officers adhering to their roles and responsibilities, and more robust and effective scrutiny arrangements. It also calls for more effective support and training for members and a stable senior management structure with the capacity to take forward the improvement agenda.
Medium to longer term strategies for effective management of resources including financial planning and asset management are also required, as is an effective framework for strategic planning and an integrated framework for continuous improvement
Low added: “We look forward to receiving an improvement plan from the council which addresses the issues raised.”
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