Council 'healthier' after government raised concerns

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities was concerned about governance, culture and finance at the council

A council formerly described as "acrimonious" by the government is a "much healthier place" now a notice for it to improve has been lifted.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council was issued a 12-month Best Value Notice in August 2023.

Concerns were raised about governance, culture and finance at the council.

A recent letter by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said BCP had "implemented a range of improvement measures to address the identified concerns".

Councillor Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said lifting the notice was recognition that the council was in a "much healthier place"

In the notice, the government said relationships between councillors and officers had not been positive in recent years.

It raised concerns over the council's regeneration company, Future Places, which was set up in 2021.

It advised the authority to urgently revise its medium term budgets, implement training and agree priorities for Future Places.

A failure to improve could have led to statutory steps being taken by ministers.

The council addressed the 42 actions raised by the government, including getting rid of Future Places.

Graham Farrant, BCP chief executive, said: “As a result of our joint efforts we now have a more resilient council with a sustainable financial future, we have strengthened governance and developed a culture built upon respect and pride.

“But we recognise that there is no room for complacency and our positive work to improve the services provided by council for our residents, and the way that the council works, must continue.”

'Getting the basics right'

The council has been controlled by a Liberal Democrat-led alliance since May 2023.

Leader of BCP Council, Councillor Millie Earl, said the lifting of the notice was recognition that the council was in a "much healthier place".

“Our focus has been getting the basics right and getting our foundations in order.

"An open and honest council, with good governance in place, is the very least our residents should expect, and I am pleased that the work done to achieve this has been acknowledged.”