Inspectors give full marks to council

In the Assurance and Improvement Plan published by Audit Scotland, the main local government inspectors found the council will require no formal scrutiny in the period 2014-17.

The AIP also highlights the council’s effective community consultation arrangements and strong financial management systems.

This year, the format of the shared risk assessment was revised following a national review. As a result, the structure of this year’s AIP focuses on

• Local priorities and public sector reform;

• Corporate assessment (examining management arrangements and compliance with Best Value obligations);

• Service performance; and,

• Improving/transforming public services and Public Performance Reporting

The plan is put together by a local network made up of representatives from all the main local government audit and inspection agencies.

Councillor Thomas Morgan, Convener of the Audit and Governance Panel, said: “Once again I am delighted to see that the local area network has found we require no formal scrutiny.

“Their report is hugely positive for our residents and demonstrates that we have excellent governance arrangements to ensure delivery of our services, even in these difficult times.

“This report, building on last year’s successes, is a credit to our hardworking staff and I would like to place on record my thanks to them – and the council’s members – for their continued delivery of excellent services for our communities.”