Government intervention to end at council

The Government has ended its intervention at Sandwell Council, after “many positive developments”.

Commissioners were appointed by the Government on 22 March 2022, following the publication of a Value for Money Governance Review by Sandwell’s external auditor, Grant Thornton.

It found that the council did not comply with its Best Value Duty, meaning no arrangements were made to look for continuous improvement across the authority’s economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

The council has since developed a single improvement plan in response to the recommendations, which was approved in June 2022.

Kim Bromley-Derry and Jim Taylor, Government Commissioners appointed to Sandwell Council concluded in their fourth report to ministers: “The Council we see now is a far cry from the organisation we first encountered: the staff, the elected members, and most importantly, the residents, have all noted the changes.

“The improvement work which was once seen as a standalone priority has now been interwoven with the ‘business as usual’ strategic planning of the Council.  In short, we believe the Council is now meeting its Best Value duty and is capable of taking forward its improvement independently.”

Now in a letter to Sandwell Council, Simon Hoare MP, Minister for Local Government states: “We very much welcome the progress your Council has made over the duration of the intervention.

“The Commissioners’ report to the Secretary of State outlines many positive developments; it is clear they have considerable confidence in the Chief Executive and the leadership team and welcome the “continued and significant political stability” and the increased support to members.

“It is clear the Council has continued to make significant changes, and that there has been considerable progress since the third report.”

Grant Thornton has recently lifted three statutory recommendations due to the progress that has been made since the initial review carried out in Autumn 2021.