Political infighting holds back West Dunbartonshire
The Accounts Commission has found that political infighting is holding back West Dunbartonshire Council’s progress.
The Scottish local government watchdog’s latest best value audit of the west Scotland authority said that it had made insufficient progress since it was last audited in early 2008, although some services perform well.
John Baillie, chair of the commission, said: “The lack of progress is because the relationships between councillors and the nature of the political conflict among councillors are having a negative effect on the operation and development of the council.
“Councillors across the political spectrum have not demonstrated the corporate leadership required. There has also been limited progress in developing working relationships between councillors and senior officers.
“These issues are inhibiting improvement and, until they are resolved, the council will not achieve the necessary shift in attitude and focus required to deliver best value for the people of West Dunbartonshire.“
The commission has asked the Controller of Audit to monitor the council’s response to this report , which covers the period since a similarly critical report in January 2008. The commission recommends that West Dunbartonshire seek external help from other councils.
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment.
Share
Readers' comments (2)
Anonymous | 10-Jul-2009 10:04 am
This might be the case, but with the Audit Commission's track record of not understanding what quality looks like, and its abysmal track record in providing advice to Local Authorities on improvement it can't be trusted.
The Audit Commission delivers the government's improvement program that has been shown to be seriously flawed.
Because of this it is a political organisation, not doing what is right for organisations but instead following the political lead.
Unsuitable or offensive?
Anonymous | 10-Jul-2009 10:57 am
That's not the Audit Commission its the Accounts Commission.
Different body.
Unsuitable or offensive?