Comhairle’s progress is “disappointing” 29/11/11
The Comhairle is criticised over its poor performance in a number of important aspects of its responsibilities.
An Accounts Commission report says while Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has put some of the basic building blocks in place for providing best value, there remain significant aspects requiring better progress.
The Commission last assessed the Comhairle’s best value arrangements in 2006. Since then there has been slow progress overall. In particular, the culture of challenge and improvement remains underdeveloped. While the Comhairle responds well to external appraisal through audit and inspection, it remains reactive rather than proactive in identifying and implementing improvements, says the report.
Today’s findings state that there needs to be a systematic approach to continuous improvement activity, supported by good arrangements for managing performance. A longer term strategic financial plan needs to be developed.
It stresses councillors must be more active in ensuring that improvements are made. The chief executive and corporate management team’s leadership should be clearer and more visible, to show that the Comhairle is fully ready for the future challenges that it faces.
Chair of the Accounts Commission John Baillie said: “Overall there has been slow progress in putting in place arrangements to ensure Best Value. This is disappointing and needs to be rectified.
“Nevertheless, the Comhairle has strong political and community leadership, its financial management and governance arrangements are in good order and most services perform well. The Comhairle also understands that improvements have still to be made. We have asked for a further audit to report on the progress made in around 12 months’ time.”
The Commission rates overall performance as satisfactory, with fair prospects for future improvement.
Comhairle Leader Angus Campbell said: “Whilst we have good strengths I acknowledge there is much that can be done to improve aspects of the Comhairle.
“I believe there is always room for improvement and that is why we need to continually look at how we do things and how we can do better. My colleagues, both at officer and member level, will continue that work.”
Chief Executive Malcolm Burr said; “The report is a balanced one and it is pleasing that the conclusion is that the Comhairle’s performance is satisfactory, and that we have a clear vision for our community and strong political leadership to deliver that vision.
“It is particularly to be welcomed that the report concludes that most of the Comhairle’s services are performing well, and that our governance and financial stewardship is sound. We acknowledge that there are areas of our work which require to be improved, particularly in performance management, and this report assists in confirming those areas.
He pledged the Comhairle’s staff and councillors will “continue to improve how the Comhairle works for the benefit of the people of the Western Isles.”