Council receives positive feedback following a review

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been praised by its peers for its high-quality services, strong financial management and robust governance.

The Council was assessed in July 2022 as part of a Local Government Association (LGA) peer review, which has now published its findings.

Eight officers and councillors from councils across England and the LGA reviewed the Council, interviewing 120 councillors, officers and partner organisations.

The overall summary finding is that “This is an impressive and ambitious Council with an established track record of providing high quality services, strong financial management and robust governance”

The report’s findings, which were considered by the Council’s Cabinet this week, highlight a significant number of strengths across the Council and calls for it to do more to share its experience and good practice more widely.

Council Leader, Cllr Louise Gittins said: “We are delighted with the findings of the peer review.  In particular, the report highlights political and officer leadership, the fact that we are regarded as an influencer and trusted partner locally and regionally, our leading local role in health and social care integration and our great track record for considering equality, diversity and inclusion within decision making.

“I am especially proud that the review noted we have developed a reputation for strong financial management over a number of years, as well as pointing out how our scrutiny process is adding real value to local decision making

"The report also makes a number of recommendations for the Council to respond to, highlighting that existing achievements and plans can be built on to address future financial planning and modelling, detailed planning for health and care integration, improving customer experience, developing partnerships and sharing learning. We acknowledge these challenges and will address them as part of our ongoing work with communities and partners.”

The Council’s approach to working with communities, not least through strong Climate and Poverty Emergency responses, was also commended by other councils as part of this process.

You can view the report on the Council's website under Policies and Performance.