'Failing' council back on track

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A council judged to have "fundamental weaknesses in leadership and direction" is now heading in the right direction, according to a financial watchdog.

The Accounts Commission savaged the performance of Inverclyde Council in an evaluation report in 2005.

Now it has praised the authority for making "significant progress in providing best value for local people".

Inverclyde made sweeping changes after the initial report named it as one of the worst councils in Scotland.

Its chief executive, Robert Cleary, stepped down after some services - including housing and information technology - were described as "consistently poor".

A transformation programme was put in place to overhaul service delivery.

The report recognises the hard work that has taken place to transform the council John BaillieAccounts Commission chairman Other initiatives were also rolled out, such as the multi-agency £400m regeneration programme "Riverside Inverclyde", housing stock transfer and school building and renovations.

Accounts Commission chairman John Baillie said there had been a turnaround since the critical report more than three years ago.

"Inverclyde Council has made significant progress in providing best value for local people," he said.

"It is pleasing to see the council now embracing the challenging agenda ahead of it with clear commitment and renewed energy and enthusiasm.

'Strong foundations'

"The report recognises the hard work that has taken place to transform the council. It is moving in the right direction."

The leader of Inverclyde Council, Stephen McCabe, said the authority had "come a long way" since 2005.

"The transformation programme developed and implemented in the aftermath of the initial report laid strong foundations for improvement," he said.

"Throughout this period of change the council has continued to deliver a range of excellent, innovative services which have been recognised at a national level."