Moray Council response to Accounts Commission Best Value Assurance Report 2024.
The report and recommendations will be considered in full at a future full council meeting before summer recess at a date to be confirmed.
Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Council Leader said: “While it makes for some difficult reading, the council welcomes the report and Commission findings, which acknowledges the work already undertaken in areas such as cross-party working and improved directional leadership.
“I’m proud to have seen the combined collaborative efforts of elected members and officers grow over the last three months, which is allowing the strategic transformation of the council to continue. Clearly there’s more work to be done to ensure we continue to improve at pace and meet the aspirations we’ve set ourselves, as well as monitoring best value. But I believe the show of unity from my fellow group leaders who attended the Commission meeting together highlights our intention to do that by working together.
“I thank everyone involved for their hard work, particularly in recent months, and I look forward to seeing the council continuing to move forward in a positive way to transform our services and ensure sustainability. A full and frank discussion on the report and its recommendations will take place at a future council meeting before summer.”
Cllr Graham Leadbitter, co-Leader of the SNP group added: “The work done throughout the council since the last audit has shown a remarkable turnaround in how the council does business. While there are clearly key areas for us to continue to work on, financial sustainability being the most crucial, the Commission has sent a clear signal that we’re on the right track and can continue to make positive progress if we continue to work collaboratively and responsibly.”
Cllr Sandy Keith, Leader of the Labour group finished: “It is our duty now as councillors to support council officers to implement the changes that will lead to faster improvement on the recommendations made by the Commission. We must commit to doing that in a strategic and cohesive way to enable the transformation we need to see at Moray Council to make sure we are fit-for-purpose and fit for a modern Moray.”
Link to full report is available here.