South Ayrshire BV1 progress report: podcast transcript

1. What are your main findings?

Looking at progress since the last Best Value audit in April 2009, South Ayrshire Council has made good progress in addressing the improvements needed. And we welcome this. 
Many of the elements for ensuring Best Value are now in place. 

However there is much still to be done. We’re urging the council to continue making improvements as there is still much to be done.

2. What has the council done well?

There is a culture of continuous improvement developing throughout the council; financial stability has improved and a medium-term financial strategy has been developed.

3. What does the council need to focus on now?

As the council recognises, many of the improvement activities and developments are still at an early stage.

It now needs to show that its performance is improving and continue with its process of change and improvement

There are four key areas where we want to see further progress

 - We want to see the council moving quickly to ensure that all elements of an effective performance management system are put in place. This would provide improved information to support effective decision-making and scrutiny of performance. 

 - Developing its strategic approach to reviewing and improving its services and also its capacity to present robust options appraisal. 

 - Increasing its focus on partnership working with neighbouring councils and other public sector bodies to  maximise the opportunities here, in order to improve outcomes for its citizens. 

 - Paying particular attention to developing its processes for engaging with the community.

4. Is there anything else you wish to highlight?

South Ayrshire faces significant financial pressures and likely funding gaps which require radical change across the public sector. The Commission says the council must continue to ensure that it has the capacity for strategic improvement, and keep this under review.
 
5. What happens next with the audit?

Scrutiny bodies are currently drawing up shared risk assessments and schedules of activity for audit and inspection work in each of Scotland’s councils. These will be available on www.audit-scotland.gov.uk on 1 July. So the Assurance and Improvement Plan for South Ayrshire will provide a schedule for audit and inspection work to assess continued progress.