Decision details

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Strategic Support which provided details of the key findings from the Local Government Association (LGA) Peer Review undertaken in September 2018 and sought approval to develop an action plan responding to the Peer Review Team’s recommendations. The full feedback report produced by the LGA Peer Review Team was appended to the report.

The report indicated that the Peer Review Team had considered the following five core themes:

·       Understanding local context and priority setting

·       Leadership of place

·       Financial planning and viability

·       Organisational leadership and governance and

·       Capacity to deliver.

In addition to the five core themes the peer review focused on the progress that the Council has made in implementing its ‘vision for change’ and the Councils approach to commercialisation. 

The Peer Review Team had summarised the Council’s strengths as; 

•       Knowledge of Sefton ‘the place’ is strong.

•       Strong political and managerial leadership.

•       Vision is in place, priorities have been set and transformation plan in place – which is significant.

•       Local Plan is in place which has required difficult decisions.

•       Medium Term Financial Plan linked to strategy and priorities.

•       Committed and passionate workforce.

•       Strong partner relationships.

•       Self-awareness and willingness to reflect.

•       Successfully managed a 51% reduction in grant funding and put in place a 3-year budget.

•       Localities model is the right direction

The Peer Review Team had also suggested some areas for the Council to consider and these were detailed in the full feedback report.

Members of the Cabinet referred to the high level of self-awareness; the high level of commitment by staff and partner organisations, the approach to developing Sefton 2030 and the strong financial planning that has enabled the Council to successfully manage a 51% reduction in grant funding which are all reflected in the feedback report and they looked forward to receiving the action plan at their next meeting. The Cabinet asked that their thanks to the workforce be put on record.

Decision Made: That

(1)      the Cabinet record their thanks to the LGA Peer Review team and welcome the feedback report;

(2)      the Cabinet also record their thanks and appreciation to all the members of staff and partner organisation for their commitment and endeavour to deliver an excellent service for the local community

(3)      the recommendations set out in the feedback report be accepted; and

(4)      Officers be authorised to develop an associated action plan to be considered by the Cabinet in January 2019.

Reasons for Decision:

Peer Reviews are a proven tool for sector-led and the Council has always been open to learning from others and sharing our good practice.

The challenge provided external recognition of the things it believes the Council is doing well, highlighted where the Council can learn from other councils in light of best practice elsewhere and has recommended a number of key actions.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not to commission the LGA peer review process.