News

The Borough of Poole has made 'an energetic and confident start' as a new Unitary Authority according to a report by the Government's Improvement & Development Agency (I&DeA).

The report, due to be considered by the Council's Executive Committee on Wednesday 12 September, examines the work of the Authority and aims to help assess current achievements and the capacity to change.

The Review Team including a Chief Executive from Scotland, Councillors from other authorities and officers from I&DeA met with residents, local businesses voluntary groups, senior managers and key front line staff during an intensive week long visit in February.

Inspectors found that: "Across the Council there is a strong commitment to progress supported by a set of clear organisational values and the encouragement of an open facilitative culture. Communities and employees share a sense of local pride in both the town and the Council."

The report goes on to conclude that: "Now that the Council has made considerable progress locally, it is time to look outwards across the wider region and plan for the longer term. Four years in, the Council now has come of age and there is a scope to lengthen your stride. "

As part of the review the Council was assessed against a specially constructed bench mark of the ideal, fully effective local authority. Recommendations outlined in the report to help the Council improve further include:

• developing a medium-term vision for Poole, in collaboration with partners and communities, as the basis of the community plan
• engaging all Councillors in the challenge of community leadership
• adopting a more co-ordinated and systematic approach to consultation, ensuring all voices are heard
• broadening access to IT and the intranet
• piloting one-stop shop approach in the Civic Centre reception

A cross party group of Councillors will work to prepare an action plan to deal with recommendations raised in the report and the I&DeA will review progress in six months time.

Cllr Bob Williams, Deputy Leader of the Council, said; "This is a fantastic report which reflects the work of all the staff and Councillors in Poole. It is wonderful that the expertise and dedication of all involved working on behalf of the town, its people and its future has been recognised and we look forward to working to improve even further ."

Jim Brooks, Poole's Chief Executive, said: "I am delighted that the report is so positive about the Council and I am looking forward to working with Councillors and colleagues in continuing Poole's improvement under the Action Plan. The report is a big thank you and recognition to Councillors and staff for the hard work they have put in to the Council."