The Local Government Association (LGA) has published a glowing report on Watford Borough Council’s performance, following a Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) at the end of last year...
The CPC – which is carried out every five years in local authorities to support continuous improvement in the sector – undertook an extensive review of the council’s operations, finding that:
‘WBC is delivering hugely ambitious plans for Watford, with an unwavering focus on the outcomes for its residents. To enable this to be delivered, WBC has forged strong external relationships and is an organisation underpinned by a culture of pride, ambition, and empowerment.’
Led by a peer team of senior political and officer leaders from other councils, the independent review identified the council’s strengths, including:
- It has ‘a good record of financial stewardship and has a clear understanding of its financial position’
- Delivering ambitious plans for Watford residents and businesses, and ‘driven for each to thrive’
- It has transformed since the last peer challenge in 2017, driven by strong leadership and a ‘can do’ attitude
- Effective partnerships in place involving both our businesses and community, and forging ‘strong external relationships’ to support delivery
- It is underpinned by ‘a culture of pride, ambition, and empowerment’
Elected Mayor for Watford Peter Taylor said: “The Corporate Peer Challenge report is a testament to the tremendous work we are doing for the people and businesses of Watford. Local government is facing major challenges, and we will have to make some difficult decisions to protect vital services.
"But what this report shows is that we are in the best possible position to keep driving Watford forward, ensuring it continues to be a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work and enjoy. Working with our partners across the borough, we will continue to be bold and ambitious for Watford, keeping residents at the heart of everything we do.”
Watford Borough Council’s Chief Executive Donna Nolan added: “The Corporate Peer Challenge process is an essential tool for local government to keep pushing up standards. It’s also an excellent opportunity to look outwards and really test how we are operating. This incredibly positive report has given us even greater impetus to deliver for our communities, as well as ensuring we are always ready to respond and adapt to the challenges of the day.”
The report also includes recommendations from the team on where Watford Borough Council should focus to ensure it continues to be a high performing council that delivers for Watford and its community. These form the basis of the council’s Corporate Peer Challenge action plan, which is published alongside the report. The report is available to read on the council’s website.
