Report praises council for boosting progress

After undergoing a Corporate Peer Challenge, where external government officers and members examined how the council functions, officers praised steps taken by the council since 2009.

Since its last independent inspection the report states that it has turned itself around and ‘there is no reason why Ashfield shouldn’t be looking ahead with optimism and being boosted by its progress and achievements’.

Chris Baron, leader of Ashfield District Council, said the council has a lot to be proud of.

“Ashfield has a lot to be proud of in this report.

“It states that the authority has responded positively to the improvement challenges identified back in 2009.”

In 2009 the council was judged to be performing poorly with an official score of one under the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA).

Improvements made at the council include introducing an effective performance management framework and performing well in addressing financial challenges.

Coun Baron added: “While we acknowledge that there are areas where further improvement is necessary, this independent assessment confirms that this council is moving in the right direction.”

The recommendations and outcomes of the full report submitted by the Peer Challenge team will now be considered by the council.