Milton Keynes City Council has been praised for operating as “a well‑run authority” with “strong foundations for continued innovation” in an independent assessment from the Local Government Association.
Leading councillors and experienced senior officers from a range of English councils originally reviewed the City Council last year, meeting more than 100 councillors, employees, partners and representatives from community organisations.
Their official report commended Milton Keynes City Council for “getting things done and getting them done well” as a “high-performing and well-run council with a strong track record of delivery”.
Several recommendations for further progress were made and a follow up review - to check progress against those recommendations - has just taken place.
In the follow up report published this week, the City Council is commended for its speed and commitment in implementing 100% of the recommendations and is described as an “upbeat organisation with increased confidence” and a highly dedicated workforce.
The team were particularly pleased with steps taken to support local councillors, including a strengthened overview and scrutiny function that holds council decisions to account.
They also noted impressive progress in collaborating with local voluntary groups, in marketing the city’s achievements to investors, and in working with health partners to champion local needs, especially those of children.
“This independent recognition is a genuine reflection of the hard work that happens at the council. I’m particularly pleased that the review team were impressed by our continued improvement and innovation. Our goal is to provide good value, well run services that make a difference to local people and to the ongoing success of our city.”