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20/09/2012: Council receives positive report from independent assessors

"Craven District Council should be congratulated on the progress it has made so far" concluded an external Peer Challenge Team.

The external Peer Challenge Team conducted an independent assessment on the Council's performance in June.

The Peer Challenge Team is made up of other officers and elected members from the Local Government sector and provides a corporate health check on the Council, looks at systems and processes in place and helps drive further improvement.

The report acknowledges the challenging time Craven District Council has faced since 2008 but recognises the good progress the Council has made, significantly reshaping the organisation, making savings of £2.5m to recover a budget deficit and a 30% cut in its central government grant.

The report highlights a number of positive achievements including:

  • Working on expansion of rural broadband
  • Investment in Craven Swimming Pool and Fitness centre which has significantly reduced the subsidy needed for the facility
  • A new website
  • Increase in number of affordable homes
  • Engagement with the Youth Council
  • Introducing alternate weekly collections

The report stated that Craven has good political and managerial leadership but highlighted the Council needs to 'blow its own trumpet' more effectively to make the public, partners and members aware of its achievements and initiatives.

Leader of Craven District Council Councillor Knowles - Fitton commented " We welcome the findings of the Challenge, which are very positive, highlighting that the Council is in a much better place than four years ago, a leaner fitter organisation ready for the challenges to come.

We have also delivered some significant projects for example the expansion of rural broadband, new Council website, more affordable housing, investment in Craven Pool and Fitness Centre and the introduction of alternate weekly collections. These tangible improvements have lead to greater confidence both within the Council and externally, raising the profile and standing of the Council.

A full copy of the report is available to download.

word icon Craven District Council Peer Challenge Report [165kb]

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