07 September 2007
Scotland's smallest mainland unitary council, Clackmannanshire, has not made enough progress towards achieving Best Value objectives.
This was because of its limited capacity, high numbers of priorities and its lengthy improvement agenda, according to the Accounts Commission for Scotland.
In a report published this week, the commission — the local government spending watchdog — said that Clackmannanshire had the fewest staff and least money among Scottish councils because of its size.
However, it was still required to provide the same range of services as other councils.
The commission's deputy chair, Isabelle Lowe, said the council successfully provided some services and had shown that it could work with others, particularly in the development of its community planning partnerships.
But she added: 'Its progress towards Best Value has not matched its aspirations. More effective leadership by elected members, sharper prioritisation and other improvements to corporate activity and services are needed.'
PFsep2007
