Corby must address serious failings, inspectors report

28 Mar 02
Corby Borough Council has 'serious failings' in its management systems that have led to low-quality services that cost it too much to run.

29 March 2002

Audit Commission inspectors found the Northamptonshire borough had 'significant financial difficulties', and management of vital departments, such as housing and environmental services, had been weak.

Although Corby has started to identify its problems, it has not developed concrete plans setting out how improvements will be achieved and sustained. According to the commission, the council has an agreed vision for regenerating the area, but 'there is little evidence of this influencing frontline service delivery'.

The inspectors called on the council to put in place robust systems to collect and monitor performance management data. Corby also needs to balance its budget and build up its depleted financial reserves so services can be managed in a planned way.

The report acknowledged that relations between officers and elected members were good, that communications with residents had improved and that many staff and members were committed to change.

But Paul Kirby, director of the Audit Commission's inspection service, said the authority's corporate governance arrangements were still poor.

'Although initial indications are promising, the agenda is a difficult one and there is a long way to go yet. The council needs to move quickly if it is to make real progress,' he said.

Corby's chief executive, Nigel Rudd, said the council was working with the Improvement and Development Agency to find ways of implementing the commission's recommendations.


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