Performance in most areas has been improving over time with good progress continuing to be made at East Lothian Council, according to a report published by the Accounts Commission.
The Controller of Audit report was considered at a meeting of the local authority watchdog in June. The Commission has now formally published the report, with a number of recommendations being made. The report highlights the importance of financial sustainability remaining a priority for the council, including the need to focus on financial resilience in the context of increased demand for services arising from a growing local population.
Other findings include:
- East Lothian Council is committed to the principles of best value
- There are clear performance outcome targets for priority areas and a focus on community empowerment
- Council priorities continue to reflect the need to reduce inequalities, with a vision linked to community planning priorities
- There are cross-party working groups which foster discussion and exploration of options for priority areas in advance of formal decision making.
Taking forward recommendations
The report identifies a number of areas for improvement, which the council has already been taking action to address since evidence for the report was gathered.
This includes work to strengthen its digital strategy, approaches to cyber security and business continuity, as well as continuing to prioritise financial sustainability.
Ongoing work to prepare for implementation of a new internal financial system is just one of the ways in which work is already well underway to strengthen internal controls and efficiencies.
Issues identified with some committee meetings needing to be rescheduled or cancelled due to not being quorate have since been addressed.
Work is also being undertaken to further enhance performance reporting, strengthen workforce planning and explore opportunities to work collaboratively with others.
A refreshed financial strategy, which includes budget development principles and an approach to the sustainable management of reserves, is also in place, and will guide the council’s response to addressing the projected budget gap and ensuring financial sustainability.
‘Clear vision and priorities’
Council Leader Norman Hampshire said:
“We welcome this report, which recognises that the council generally continues to perform very well and compares favourably to national averages.
“The report highlights that we have a clear vision and priorities, with appropriate budget setting and monitoring arrangements in place.
“But we are not complacent and that’s why I’m pleased to see that our push for continuous improvement is recognised. In addressing the hugely significant financial pressures facing the council in one of Scotland’s fastest growing areas, we know that digital transformation is essential when it comes to being increasingly efficient and delivering service improvement, so we’re ensuring there is a sharp focus on this.
“Despite the extremely challenging financial environment in which we operate and the fact further difficult decisions need to be made, we are determined to ensure the council continues to be financially sustainable while innovating and collaborating with partners to grow the local economy, tackle climate change and reduce inequalities. This report together with its recommendations helps us with that push.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all council employees for their hard work which these findings are testament to. We know that our committed people will continue to be pivotal to the county’s success, as we strive to maintain high-quality services for the communities we serve.”
The full report will be considered by elected members at an upcoming full meeting of East Lothian Council.
The external auditor will continue to monitor the council's progress in relation to wider improvement actions as part of the annual audit process.