Harrogate Borough Council given glowing endorsement in peer review

Harrogate district to be gripped by freezing rain and snow blizzards as icy blast hits this weekendThe council was labelled “a well-performing organisation with highly-visible and engaging leadership at political and managerial level” in the Local Government Association’s peer review program.

The review involved a group of senior members of staff and a councillor from other local authorities analysing Harrogate’s council over the course of three days in September.

During their analysis they interviewed more than 80 people, including a range of council staff together with councillors, external partner organisations and stakeholders.

The reviewers praised the council’s move last year to their new headquarters, saying the “new working environment has facilitated a positive journey of improvement, modernisation and better cross working”.

Police launch appeal to find Harrogate man wanted in connection with vehicle theftCouncil leader Coun Richard Cooper said he was “really pleased by the outcomes of this review and glad to hear staff feel empowered and supported in their roles”.

“I am grateful to the local charities and groups that highlighted how well we work together. It was also good to see such strong recognition of the excellent services the council delivers,” he said.

The council have now drawn up an improvement plan based off the review, which was viewed at council’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday night, December 13.

Patient Transport Services in Harrogate and North Yorkshire come under the spotlight after cutbacksAmong the recommendation in the improvement plan are that HBC commit to developing multiple funded initiatives to implement the council’s Plan for Homes, in conjunction action plan to influence the quick delivery of housing completions.

Lachlan Leeming , Local Democracy Reporting Service