The Council has today reached a milestone in its improvement journey following the publication of the Commissioner’s latest progress report which shows that the authority continues to make improvement across parts of the Council.
The Commissioners’ third progress report which focusses on outstanding issues only, says that the Council’s leadership is delivering the Improvement Plan focused on strategic direction, financial sustainability, and operational effectiveness and that there are sound governance arrangements in place.
The report states that there are early signs of a shift toward building in continuous improvement but with more to do to become a truly learning organisation and to change as a result of that learning.
Improvements in monitoring and performance management are highlighted alongside strengthened Internal Audit processes and a growing awareness of risk across the Council. There is a more structured and proactive approach to service planning and monitoring performance which will underpin strengthened decision making and activity in the coming months. Commissioners commented that they will want to see this mature so that it continues to influence decision making and activity in the coming months.
City Council Leader Councillor Neghat Khan said: “Significant improvements have been made across the Council including within our financial position to get our house in order and become financially stable. Our priority is to ensure value for money across all of our services, whilst maintaining our ambition to build a more accountable, responsive, and future-ready council. We do what we say we’re going to do. That is what our residents expect of us.
“As Leader, I am keen that we remain focussed on delivering the best outcomes for the city and I can often be impatient for success. We are here for the people of Nottingham, and we must never forget that. We recognise that we must not be complacent as there is still work to do on our improvement journey.”
Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, said: “I am encouraged to hear that the Council continues to make steady progress in delivering its Improvement Plan. It is reassuring that the Council is now showing “early signs of a shift toward continuous improvement thinking” and that positive changes are beginning to embed.”
The Council only needed to use £7.7m of the £41m of Exceptional Financial Support permitted by the Government in 2024/25 and has reduced its debt by a third since 2021. The recently published draft budget proposals for 2026/27 sees the Council balancing its budget without the use of Exceptional Financial Support with an extra £4.5 million set aside as part of a proposed £15m investment package in front line services alongside £11.5 million of efficiency savings as we work to be a well-run council.
The Government has also confirmed that Sharon Kemp, currently Commissioner for Transformation, is to take over from Tony McArdle as Lead Commissioner. The move reflects Tony’s appointment as Lead Commissioner for Birmingham City Council and his ongoing work with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government on Local Government Reorganisation.
Much of the Council’s continued focus will be on transformation and change which has also been Sharon’s focus as a Commissioner.