Nottingham City Council has set out its commitment to bring about further improvements needed at the authority following the Government’s decision last month that an independent Improvement and Assurance Board would remain in place without commissioners being appointed.
A report published today outlines how the council will address Instructions issued by the Improvement and Assurance Board, led by Sir Tony Richmond, to bring about change at an increased pace in a number of key areas.
The Instructions, which are due to be formally noted at a Full Council meeting on 6 March, cover specific areas of the council’s work – Governance, Finance, Transformation, Corporate Planning, Companies and Workforce Culture and Performance Outcomes.
Council Leader Cllr David Mellen, said: “The Government’s decision not to appoint commissioners is a reflection of the significant progress we have already made, including setting a balanced budget and four-year financial plan. However, there is much more work to do to bring about the improvements needed, and we need to bring about the changes quickly.
“The Improvement and Assurance Board has clearly set out the areas where further change is needed and when this needs to have happened by. Most of these reflect the recommendations in previous reports. Our task now is to finish the job we have started to ensure the council can continue to provide vital services to the people of Nottingham in an efficient and effective way.”
The council’s Chief Executive, Mel Barrett, said: “The Instructions are entirely consistent with our Together for Nottingham Plan and the previous areas of focus identified by the Improvement and Assurance Board. However, Sir Tony Redmond has now made the outcomes being sought an Instruction to the council. This is because, whilst we have made significant improvements, we have not made the full range of necessary improvements quickly enough.
“Seen as a whole, the Instructions amount to a requirement for fundamental change in the way the council works, to become an authority that delivers Best Value, consistent with good practice elsewhere in local government. We are committed to making these changes by the deadlines set and we will ensure improvements are made at pace.”