Audit Scotland has recognised East Dunbartonshire Council's positive work during 2019/20 in its Annual Audit Report - including consideration of the Council’s Best Value arrangements regarding governance and transparency, performance, and fairness and equality.
The document was presented to a Special Meeting of the Council on 19 November, with the 2019/20 financial statements receiving an unqualified auditor's report.
It found:
- Financial management is "effective, with a budget setting process focused on the Council's priorities"
- The Council has "effective leadership and a clear strategic direction", with officers and Elected Members working well together in the interests of the residents of East Dunbartonshire
- The Council has effective arrangements in place that support good governance and accountability
- The Council is "open and transparent in the way that it conducts its business"
- The Council makes good use of local government benchmarking data to evaluate its performance and identify improvement areas
- 63% of its 2018/19 performance indicators were in the top two quartiles of Scottish Councils (up from 58% in the previous year). Performance improved in 64% of indicators. Education services are "performing particularly well even in the Council's most deprived areas".
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of the Council, said, "I am delighted to welcome this positive and encouraging report from Audit Scotland, which highlights effective financial management and a budget process aimed at delivering local priorities.
"No-one is resting on any laurels, but we have a firm foundation in place for continued strong performance, working together to improve and keep achieving for our residents and businesses."
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of the Council, added, "Audit Scotland has recognised the effective leadership in place at the Council, which will be vital as we continue to cope with ongoing financial challenges and the devastating impact of a global pandemic.
"Audit Scotland also highlighted the openness and transparency in the way the Council does its business, which is particularly pleasing. I want to thank all our employees for their incredible efforts in delivering first-class services and facilities for the people and economy of East Dunbartonshire."
Audit Scotland reported that the coronavirus pandemic impacted on the final month of the 2019/20 financial year - with "significant implications" for services and costs.
The report also noted that further work is required to ensure the Council continues to meet its duties under the Equalities Act 2010.
Key achievements in 2019/20 included:
- Progression on the commitment to deliver a new state-of-the-art Additional Support Needs school in Kirkintilloch - through engagement and design
- Community engagement to inform the design of a new, improved replacement secondary school for Boclair Academy
- Progressing delivery of the new Allander Leisure Centre in Bearsden, incorporating provision and services for adults with Additional Support Needs
- Success in securing the Bishopbriggs Place & Growth £35 million City Deal project to deliver improved sustainable transport and regional connectivity
- Continued recognition for excellence and equity in education, and attainment in schools across the local authority area
- The completion of a Council-wide comprehensive budget consultation exercise - '20/20 Vision' - to determine future principles and priorities.
Access a copy of Audit Scotland's Annual Audit Report [opens in a new window].
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