Council makes 'improvements to be proud of' - Peer Review finds

12 Mar 2024

The County Council has made improvements “it can be proud of” - a Corporate Peer Review has found. 

A report from the Local Government Association has now been published following a visit from senior local government councillors and officers from around the country. 

The full report can be found HERE, with more information HERE 

Peer Review is an important assessment of how well a council is performing on key areas such as finance, partnership working as well as how well the Council listens to residents and staff. 

The report outlines how Northumberland has made improvements “it can be proud of” and the Council is urged to celebrate the significant progress made whilst remaining focused on continuing that progress.   

Council Leader, Cllr Glen Sanderson said: “I’m delighted with this report and thank colleagues from the Peer Review Team for their excellent work with us. 

“Over two years ago I asked for an independent review of the Council’s governance because I knew things were not right.  This Peer Review Report underlines the rapid improvement the Council has made in those two years – in their words our pace of change has been impressive. 

“We’ve come a long way and I’ve always been clear our improvement does not mean ‘job done’.  So, I welcome the report’s recommendations for how we can continue to improve. 

“On a personal note, I’m really happy the report makes special mention of our staff, their loyalty, commitment and passion.  I’ve always said our staff are very special and a huge asset for the county.    

“The progress in this report is testament to the excellent work of our Chief Executive, her senior team and all staff working fantastically well with councillors and partners, and I thank them for their hard work.    

“Moving forward I will work with all councillors to continue the very positive progress we have made.