An independent review of Durham County Council has praised the authority’s financial stability and performance, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
A Local Government Association (LGA) ‘peer challenge’ was carried out last week by interviewing staff and councillors and closely examining the council’s operations.
The challenge process is designed to support local councils in improving their performance and governance through a visit from peers from other local authorities, who provide feedback on their visit.
Initial feedback from the review has been welcomed by council leaders.
Andrew Husband, Reform leader of the council, said: “The experience was extremely positive and the Peer Review Team appreciated the openness of everyone they met. They found the council to be a financially stable organisation, delivering high performing services and outcomes.
“They also saw clear indications that trusted relationships are being built between officers and members of the new administration, with a desire and commitment to embed this further and to fully engage with stakeholders and the broader community.
“It was also pleasing that they recognised our commitment to continuous improvement and transformation.
Reform gained control of the local authority in May and now holds 64 of the 98 council seats.
Earlier this year, Reform said it hoped to make the authority more efficient, supercharge the economy, build better communities, care for residents, and take a practical approach to environmental targets.
The final report is due to be delivered in December, which will set out detailed feedback for the council to comment on.
Cllr Husband said: “We await the final feedback report which will set out more details, as well as how we can build on our current successes. The peer team will visit us in around 10 months’ time to follow up on their initial work and to check in on how things are progressing in Durham.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
