Highland councillors yesterday approved an improvement plan to tackle the damning findings of a recent national audit report.
The Audit Commission’s Best Value report released in January expressed disappointment at progress made by council since previous audit in 2010; concerns that the council is not demonstrating that it is financially sustainable and singled out education for poor service performance.
It also highlighted the council’s clear strategic vision and increased pace of change required to ensure long term financial sustainability.
Councillors noted the seven point improvement plan underway to address the historic issues identified in the report over the next three years.
Highland Council leader, councillor Margaret Davidson said: “We accept that change is required, and we acknowledge the challenge of making that change within a backdrop of austerity over the past ten years.
“We now need to look forward and make sure that we are delivering our vision with the support of council staff and local communities who are more engaged in council-service delivery than they have been ever.
“I welcome the cross-party support we have among councillors in delivering the council’s vision.”
