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06/04/04 - Chief Executive details improvement plan for Council

John Harwood, Cumbria County Council’s Interim Chief Executive, has today (6-4-04) published his plans to enhance the performance of Cumbria County Council.

 

Whilst paying tribute to the county council’s many strengths, and acknowledging the improvements which have already been achieved,  seven  areas have been identified for immediate improvement.  These are in addition to the plans already in place to improve children’s  services.  Together they form a positive strategy to tackle the criticisms made in the council’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment, the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) report on children’s services and underperformance in other areas.

 

The seven areas targeted for review are:

 

  •             The county role in economic development and planning
  •             Waste management and disposal
  •             Highways maintenance
  •             Improving road safety
  •             Strategic purchasing, procurement and client side management
  •             Arrangements for policy and performance development, personnel and communications
  •             The structure and organisation of the community, economy and environment directorate.

John Harwood said:

 

“This improvement programme addresses the recent criticisms of the council. Already I have seen there is a lot of good work under way.  I pay tribute to the staff of the county council  who are hardworking and determined to provide high-quality services.  However, we do need to make improvements in a number of areas.  Assessments of where we are now will be immediately undertaken. Detailed, realistic action plans will be developed. 

 

“We must aim to match our performance with the very best councils. That will take time but there is a willingness to take action and an enthusiasm to get started. We will continue to work 

closely with senior civil servants in delivering this programme and intend developing partnerships with top performing councils.”       

            

The improvement programme is endorsed by the council's Cabinet and has the full support of Council Leader, Rex Toft.  He said:

"The chief executive has already got to grips with addressing many of the long-term, historical problems we face, and I fully support the action he plans.  Significant improvements must be made quickly.  We must build on the many strengths the council has, but also learn from those who are achieving better than Cumbria.  I am confident we will make progress and that both service quality and the council's reputation will improve as a result."