Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member for Corporate Affairs and HR is attached.

Councillor Tahir Rafiq, Cabinet Member for Corporate Affairs and HR, presented the report which summarised the approach taken by the Local Government Association and the feedback received from the Peer Review Team from the full Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) undertaken in December 2023. This visit was intended to assess progress since the last full CPC in 2018, and in particular to validate actions taken through the Finance Improvement Plan to deliver a balanced Medium Term Financial Strategy in for Full Council in February 2024.

Members noted the feedback included praise for the high level of understanding of staff regarding the Let’s Do It priorities and the strong relationships with health partners in the borough. Comments were received regarding improving governance and work would continue on aspects of organisational culture (including Member development). The Leader advised that it had been very useful feedback, and thanked the LGA team and all involved with the challenge.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the progress made by the Council as captured in the Position Statement and Full Report from the Local Government Association; and

2.    Agreed that the recommendations from the Challenge are accepted by the Council and incorporated into the 2024/25 Corporate Plan.

Reasons for the decision:

As participating in the Corporate Challenge is done through mutual agreement with the Local Government Association there is an expectation that all councils having a corporate peer challenge will commit to publishing the feedback report and an action plan. This report fulfils that obligation.

Other options considered and rejected:

None applicable.