Government notice for BCP Council to improve is lifted
The Best Value Notice a year ago raised concerns about their authority
A Government notice, calling for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council to improve has been lifted.
The Best Value Notice, as it's called, was issued to the authority in August 2023, raising concerns about governance, culture and finances.
The Council's been given a clean bill of health after a Government commissioned review, and the sale of £20 million of their assets to bridge their budget gap.
All 42 actions listed in the Action Plan have now been completed by BCP Council.
A letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said:
“We thank you for the constructive engagement your council has had with the department since the Notice was issued.
“BCP has worked positively with the department and has set out and implemented a range of improvement measures to address the identified concerns.”
Chief Executive, Graham Farrant said:
“We are delighted that the Government has recognised the hard work, effort and focus it has taken from everyone at the council to get this position and it is testament to that joint effort that the Best Value Notice has now been lifted.
“Throughout this process we have aimed to be open and honest regarding the challenges we face and our progress in meeting those challenges.
“We’ve continued to provide updates and progress reports through the council’s governance framework.
“As a result of our joint efforts we now have a more resilient council with a sustainable financial future, we have strengthened governance and developed a culture built upon respect and pride.
“But we recognise that there is no room for complacency and our positive work to improve the services provided by council for our residents, and the way that the council works, must continue.”
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council said:
“The lifting of the Best Notice Value shows that the Government recognises a council that is now in a much healthier place, and I would like to thank everyone at the council whose hard work and dedication has made this possible.
“The Best Value Notice was issued shortly after the May 2023 elections which saw the new Three Towns Alliance administration take over leadership of the council.
“We made meeting the concerns outlined in the notice an absolute priority.
“Our focus has been getting the basics right and getting our foundations in order. An open and honest council, with good governance in place, is the very least our residents should expect, and I am pleased that the work done to achieve this has been acknowledged.”