Agenda item

To note the progress against the Improvement Plan up to 2 February 2023.

Agreed;-

(1)     That progress against the Improvement Plan up to 2 February 2023 be received.

(2)     That the CIPFA FM Model Re-assessment Report be received.

(3)     That the responses to the recommendations and improvement points made in the Grant Thornton reissued Value for Money Governance Review Report, Grant Thornton Follow Up Review Report and the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review be received.

(4)     That the Improvement Plan Risk Register as now submitted be received. 

(5)     That details of changes to the Improvement Plan as a result of the follow-up external reviews and change to the Improvement Plan monitoring method be received.

(6)     That any recommendations or comments made by Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management Board and the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee in relation to the Improvement Plan will be reported to a future meeting of the Cabinet.

An update was received in relation to progress against the Improvement Plan up to 2 February 2023.

In response to questions from Scrutiny Chairs, it was highlighted that in contrast to previous unsuccessful attempts at recruiting to the children’s to adults services project manager post, the most recent listing had gained interest. Work had progressed with additional resource from within the business. An outline business case had been refined with the Children’s Trust and key external partners, and a governance structure had been agreed.

In relation to questions raised around the review into the SERCO contract, members were notified that officers would welcome the opportunity to present the report findings to the next available meeting of the Economy, Skills, Transport and Environment Scrutiny Board.

Reasons for recommendations

A quarterly update on progress against the Improvement Plan was agreed by Council on 7 June 2022. The Improvement Plan incorporated all recommendations from the original Grant Thornton Value for Money Governance Review, the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge and the CIPFA Financial Management Review, as well as the Statutory Directions from the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Alternative options considered

The Value for Money Governance Review was undertaken as part of the external auditor’s role to provide assurance on the council’s arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources. As the report included statutory recommendations, the council had a legal obligation to respond appropriately.

The Directions issued by the Secretary of State were a statutory requirement and the council has a legal obligation to respond appropriately. Failure to do so would likely result in further intervention measures.

Reviewing progress against the Improvement Plan enabled senior officers and members to have oversight of delivery, and take corrective action, as necessary. Alternative methods of monitoring progress could be adopted. The current monitoring method was regularly reviewed to ensure it remained fit for purpose and provided Leadership Team with the oversight they require.

Resolved:-

(1)          that progress against the Improvement Plan up to 2 February 2023 be received;

(2)          that the CIPFA FM Model Re-assessment Report be received;

(3)          that the responses to the recommendations and improvement points made in the Grant Thornton reissued Value for Money Governance Review Report, Grant Thornton Follow Up Review Report and the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review be received;

(4)          that the Improvement Plan Risk Register as now submitted be received; 

(5)          that details of changes to the Improvement Plan as a result of the follow-up external reviews and change to the Improvement Plan monitoring method be received;

(6)          that any recommendations or comments made by Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management Board and the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee in relation to the Improvement Plan will be reported to a future meeting of the Cabinet.