Peer challenge

The review was followed by a feedback report outlining the key findings. This described Basingstoke and Deane as an “ambitious council, with a legacy of strong financial management” and recognised it as “providing good quality services for its residents.”

The report was very positive saying:

“BDBC has experienced recent political and managerial change. The current Leader took on the position in February 2022, having previously served as the Deputy Leader. The council also has a relatively new Chief Executive, who joined in January 2021. The peer team heard the positive impact both have had on the organisation, hearing frequently remarks about how visible and approachable they both are.

“It was clear during the Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) that BDBC is a driven council that has a strong desire for achievement and delivery, with passionate officers, members and partners. The talent and commitment to BDBC by officers in particular was notable, which is something that is recognised by members: "the staff are amazing here".

“The financial position of the authority is commendably stable and solid. Finances are effectively managed, and the importance of sound financial management is recognised throughout the organisation. The strong base the financial position affords the council provides it with the ability to invest in priority areas.

“Key local partners enjoy working with BDBC, and they value the importance the council places on effective partnership working. The council has many compelling stories to tell about what it has achieved in partnership and it should ensure it celebrates this both internally and externally.”

The team developed a set of valuable recommendations outlining how the council can further enhance its effectiveness and focus on delivering the initiatives that will have the greatest impact on our area.

These recommendations underpin a comprehensive action plan designed to strengthen the council and support the delivery of its ambitious objectives.

The action plan, developed in response to the recommendations, was formally approved by Cabinet on Tuesday, 7 February 2023.

As part of the Corporate Peer Challenge process, councils are offered the opportunity to undertake a progress review with the peer team six months after agreeing their action plan.

This progress review was carried out in August 2023.

The Local Government Association (LGA) subsequently published its progress review report in October 2023. The report noted: “The peer team was impressed with and strongly commended the breadth, depth and scale of activity that had taken place in the 10 months since the Corporate Peer Challenge, across the 12 recommendations”.