A new report says Peterborough City Council has made “great progress” in becoming financially sustainable in the last 12 months.
The report noted the Council’s progress in meeting the objectives of its improvement plan. It was created after the council asked the government for special financial support in 2020.
This report has been prepared by Peterborough’s Independent Improvement Assurance Committee. It was established to provide outside advice in driving the development and delivery of improvement plans.
A high level of control over revenue expenditure has been maintained and the Council has achieved a higher than usual level of response, noting that it is now working to deliver a balanced budget for 2023/24. I praised the online budget simulator that I did.
The report also highlights that the Council:
– Developed a transformational program to change the way the Council operates and delivers services.
– Published a new Corporate Strategy and City Priorities document that describes how to achieve long-term program improvements, meet changing resident needs and deliver on priorities.
– We have reviewed all contracts to ensure that we provide the services our residents need at the best possible price.
– We looked at all our assets to see if they were being used efficiently and effectively, keeping only what we could afford, while simultaneously developing a commercial strategy.
Panel members also described a significant shift in cooperation and engagement between Council leader Rep. Wayne Fitzgerald and leaders of all opposition groups.
The council leader received kudos for “his involvement and leadership” and the leader of the opposition group for working together with genuine collaborative focus and energy.
The report added that major risks remain and that the scale of the challenge, especially the transformation work, should not be underestimated.
Council leader Wayne Fitzgerald said: We also have plans to transform the way we operate and deliver services in the medium to long term.
“As the report concludes, the Council has made great progress and we are definitely on the right track. To do so, we must keep our feet off the pedals because there is still a lot of hard work to do.”
CEO Matt Gladstone said: , to adapt to changes and new ways of working across the organization and with our partners.
“Transforming services is a big undertaking, but it will help us become a financially sustainable council, a long-term vision for the city and a new corporate strategy to improve life and build buildings in Peterborough. It’s a way to deliver on the priorities set in the 2020. It’s a solid foundation for the city’s future success.”
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