Commissioners praise improvements at Thurrock, flag local government reorganisation risk to progress

Writing in their sixth report on the local authority, the commissioner team reported a number of improvements, adding that the council “is no longer in the state of crisis that we saw in the earlier years of the intervention”.

However, they said that LGR could risk the council’s improvement, noting that delivery of the transformation agenda “will stretch organisational capacity yet further” and it will be important “that members and officers are able to demonstrate the leadership capacity to balance implementation of [the transformation] roadmap with its other major transformation programmes of local government reorganisation and devolution".

The Commissioners added that Thurrock would need to ensure that it has access to both capacity and capability across and throughout the organisation to meet these challenges.

Responding to the report, Local Government Minister Alison McGovern acknowledged the risk, stating: “Your latest report highlights some of the risks to improvement, noting that the transformation of the Council will further stretch organisational capacity, particularly when combined with its other major transformation programmes of Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution.”

She said that it "will be crucial that the council does not lose focus in the next few months".

The minister also gave Thurrock permission to appoint its own chief executive, in light of a recommendation from the commissioner team.

McGovern added that she intends to review the current commissioner model at Thurrock "if a suitable candidate is appointed".

The commissioner team highlighted improvements at the council, including Ofsted's "outstanding rating" across all areas in a recent inspection of the local authority's children’s services.

There has also been "considerable progress" in the development of the council-wide transformation roadmap, and the council continues to retain a "tight group on its finances", the report said.

However, commissioners warned that the capacity of the finance team remains "limited” and that progress is inhibited by some systems and processes that are still not fit for purpose.

On governance, the report noted that vital elements of the revised constitution are still to be updated, and ongoing delays could risk destabilising progress.

It praised new overview and scrutiny arrangements, noting that chairs are "managing meetings well". Although it noted that a "greater corporate coherence" is required on asset disposals, which would be facilitated by a strengthened approach to internal governance.

“This is particularly crucial at this point in time when the Council is considering its approach for its remaining assets, including more operational or more contentious assets, therefore it is vital to ensure that teams, services and members are all engaged on this at an appropriate time in the process,” the report said.

Commissioners said the council must now prioritise its transformation programme, revising its constitution, debt reduction and continue improving its internal controls.

It also called on Thurrock to achieve an effective model of individual performance management and embed a programme of "meaningful engagement with staff, residents and partners to rebuild trust and confidence in the council".

Overall, the commissioners said "the council has made improvements at pace and the organisation is no longer in the state of crisis that we saw in the earlier years of the intervention".

They added: "While improvements remain fragile and will take time to be embedded fully, the political and managerial leadership are all focused on delivering the Council’s next phase of its improvement journey and relationships within and between these groups are becoming more collaborative, effective and constructive.

“Members and officers respond and react to emerging issues appropriately and prioritise work and resources accordingly."

In her response McGovern said she was pleased to see progress at the council, adding: “Your report notes that financial management has improved, with more transparency in reporting, and that the Council is embracing external reviews and public engagement, indicating a cultural shift toward greater transparency.

“I am pleased the Council continues to take the necessary steps to reduce its level of debt. As you know, the government has recognised that Thurrock holds significant and exceptional unsupported debt and is committed to debt repayment support. We will continue to work closely with you and the Council on this."

Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “On the basis of the significant progress we have made, which I’m really pleased to see recognised by the Secretary of State and Commissioners, it does feel the right time for us to take more ownership of the council, and seek a new Chief Executive.

“I’m hugely grateful to Dave [Smith, Lead Commissioner and Managing Director] both for helping to get the council back on track, and for his personal support as I took on the role of Leader. He will leave the council in a good place, and with a strong team of senior officers who will continue to work with my Cabinet to drive Thurrock forward.

“I am well aware there is still a huge amount to do to get Thurrock’s finances into the best shape as we evolve with neighbours into a new council. My Cabinet and I look forward to working with Commissioners to continue on our improvement journey.”

Adam Carey