Inverclyde Council has welcomed a public spending watchdog’s findings after it assessed the local authority’s governance and management of resources.
Councillors reviewed and accepted the findings of the Accounts Commission’s best value report at a full meeting held last week.
The body recently said the council “delivers a range of highly performing services” and involves communities in decisions about how money is spent and services are redesigned.
While it urged the local authority to be “more ambitious” in its plans to address a funding gap, it recognised its success in delivering savings, transforming services and improving outcomes for people.
On Thursday, elected members were updated on a number of recommendations that have been completed and told work is progressing on remaining actions.
Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “We welcome the findings of the controller of audit report and the recommendations it contained.
“I’m pleased that all the audit reports referred to within that report have now been considered by the council and that good progress has been made in implementing the recommendations.
“This progress reflects the commitment, professionalism and dedication of our workforce, who work every day to improve outcomes for residents.
“Working alongside our communities and partners across the public, private and third sectors, our staff play a vital role in delivering the shared ambition of making Inverclyde an even better place to live, work, visit and do business.
“Where actions have not yet been completed, work is ongoing and we remain committed to addressing every recommendation as part of our continual drive to improve services and deliver the best outcomes possible for the people of Inverclyde.”
In July, Andrew Burns, deputy chair of the Accounts Commission, described the council as “impressive” in a number of ways.
He added: “It is focused on improving its citizens’ outcomes and delivering high-quality services, working hard to talk with and listen to its communities about the decisions it makes.
“It achieves this while dealing with some of the highest levels of deprivation in Scotland. Now the council needs to build on these strengths.
“With excellent partnership working and previous experience of shared services, the council should explore opportunities to collaborate with other local government and public sector partners.
“This will be vital for all councils as costs continue to rise faster than funding.
“The council should also be more ambitious in its plans for tackling the financial pressures it faces.”
