The controversial restructuring of Aberdeen City Council has been hailed as “bold and forward looking” by the authors of an independent report.
A new Target Operating Model (TOM) was approved last year with the goal of saving the council £125 million over five years.
Council chief executive Angela Scott said it was needed to prevent “salami sliced” in the face of ever-decreasing block grants from the Scottish Government.
It has however proved controversial, with unions and opposition groups raising fears about jobs, workplace stress and service cuts.
Union leader Tommy Campbell has previously called for a temporary halt to the project given the rising costs of agency and temporary staff.
A new report by KMPG has, however, praised the process to date.
In the report, sent to the Audit Scotland watchdog, the authors write: “It is clear that local authorities need to make fundamental changes in order to meet today’s funding challenges as well as meeting the customer demands of the future.
“We consider that the TOM is bold, forward looking and wide ranging. The change is significant but we consider that it is being managed methodically and with appropriate governance.”
Council co-leader Jenny Laing said: “The independent auditors highlight that they considered the TOM adopted by council to be bold and forward looking.
“I am delighted that the auditor has highlighted the fact the council has anchored the TOM around our improvement plan because it is only by working in partnership with others that the council will be better able to meet the challenges that Aberdeen faces given the continuing austerity coming from the SNP government.”
Opposition Liberal Democrat group leader Ian Yuill’s group voted against the restructure, arguing that there was not enough information given on where the axe would fall.
He said: “We didn’t think there was enough information to make an informed decision about the TOM at the time but the administration forced it through.
“Now it is in place I hope that it does work. I remain far from convinced it will.”
Audit convener and SNP group leader Stephen Flynn said: “I’m surprised that councillor Laing has opted to be so selective in her comments given that the report also highlights the risks that exist for service users, and indeed the council’s finances, should the operating model not deliver.
“And it is these points which are most crucial – after all it is the people of Aberdeen along with hard working council staff who will have to pick up the pieces if the administration do not deliver on what they have promised.”
