West Dunbartonshire Council: the Audit of Best Value and Community Planning. A progress report. Published 22 January 2008.

This is Anne McCubbin, talking with Lesley McGiffen and Fiona Selkirk about our progress report on Best Value and Community Planning at West Dunbartonshire Council. 

Lesley, how is the council doing?

The Accounts Commission has acknowledged that the council is showing improved commitment and has made some progress towards achieving best value. However it still has some way to go. It has accepted the need for change and this combined with an increased openness has had a positive impact on the culture of the council. This has also been helped by the establishment of new political and managerial structures.

Do you think progress overall has been limited?

The progress report was based on a relatively short timeframe and given the nature of the issues raised in the original report we knew that these would take time to fix. We are pleased that the council is showing improved commitment and has made some progress but it still has some work to do.

Fiona, what does the council need to do to address the issues raised in the report?

The council needs to increase the momentum of change and continue work on implementing its improvement plan. It needs to focus its effort on key areas
•	Continuing to develop member-officer relationships
•	Establishing arrangements to demonstrate the competitiveness of its services
•	Developing robust financial planning
•	 Improving community engagement

Is the council equipped to make the changes?

The council has made changes to its political and management structure and has made good use of external help. This has helped improved capacity to help it make the necessary changes. It is early days yet and the council has a long way to go yet.

And finally Lesley, what is the next stage in the audit process?

The council will continue to implement their improvement plan. Audit Scotland will monitor the action that it is taking against the plan through the local auditor that works with the council on an ongoing basis. The Accounts Commission has requested a further progress report on the position as at June 2009.

Lesley, Fiona, Thanks very much.