Censured council 'makes progress'

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A council branded one of the worst in Scotland has "addressed its failings and is moving in the right direction", according to a new report by watchdogs.

In 2005, the Accounts Commission listed a catalogue of problems at Inverclyde Council, including poor leadership by councillors and senior management.

The local authority was ordered to call in outside help to improve performance.

A progress report found staff had shown a commitment to improve but called for changes to be made at a faster pace.

In the original report, the performance of some council services, including housing, was described as "consistently poor".

The Liberal Democrat-controlled local authority - which covers Greenock, Gourock and Port Glasgow - was ordered to begin a recovery exercise which included getting help from councillors and chief executives in other areas.

We have clear plans to move forward and the hard work continues John MundellCouncil chief executive

However, the new Accounts Commission report found that council members and staff had shown a "commitment and enthusiasm to improve".

The replacement of chief executive Robert Cleary, who resigned following the original report, was praised.

The commission also commended the local authority for establishing a new management structure and appointing a corporate management team.

However, the report said the council must "increase the pace of improvement" in a number of areas, including its corporate planning and budgeting.

The public spending watchdog's investigations are part of a drive to assess whether councils are meeting their legal duty to improve services.

Isabelle Low, deputy chair of the Accounts Commission, said: "We recognise that much of the activity in the recovery period has had to focus on matters of governance, structures and management processes.

'Better services'

"The task for the council now is to use these new structures and arrangements to benefit service delivery.

"Better services for local people is the principal objective of best value."

The council's chief executive John Mundell said: "We now have structures in place that will ensure this council not only goes from strength to strength but continues to lead the transformation of Inverclyde well into the future.

"However, we cannot and will not be complacent.

"We have clear plans to move forward and the hard work continues."