It's just up dated its annual audit letter which summarises the findings from its 2008/09 audit for Boston Borough Council, where, or course, they specialise in crossing the I's and dotting the T's.
The report identifies weaknesses in the council's arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of resources It confirms its conclusion that Boston Borough Council performs poorly, and goes on: "This is because of the lack of leadership provided by the council until very recently and a lack of capacity at a senior level. In recent years plans have not been completed when expected, there has been a track record of services not being planned properly and the needs of local people have not
been taken into full consideration.
"Performance does not meet the council’s own targets and the process for managing performance is not fully used or enforced.
"Unless capacity at a senior level is addressed and scrutiny is enhanced, further improvement will be difficult to achieve."
Using the Audit Commission’s current four point scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest, and Level 1 representing a failure to meet minimum requirements, Boston scores 2 for managing finances, and 1 each for "governing the business" and managing resources.
The Council performed poorly within six sub themes on the Use of Resources assessment.
The District Auditor Chris Wilson says: "I have reported these weaknesses within the Annual Governance Reports and given an adverse value for money conclusion because of inadequate arrangements for: the Council having a sound understanding of its costs and performance and achieving efficiencies in its activities; the commissioning and procurement of quality services and supplies, tailored to local needs, to deliver sustainable outcomes and value for money; producing relevant and reliable data and information to support decision making and managing performance; promoting and demonstrating the principles and values of good governance; managing its risks and maintaining sound systems of internal control; and planning, organising and developing its workforce effectively to support the achievement of its strategic priorities.
On its organisation assessment, the council scores 1 out of 4 both for managing performance and use of resources, having only reached 55 per cent of the targets it set itself in the last year.
"A lack of clear political direction is affecting key decisions being made properly."
The auditor's letter has been discussed and agreed with the Chief Executive and the Section 151 Officer and will be presented this letter at the Performance Review and Governance Committee on Thursday.
The natural response of the ruling Bypass Independents is, or course, always to blame the previous administration.
Not wanting to spoil their game, but we thought that the Commission's report on Boston Borough Council in October 2004 made interesting reading.
The headlines are:"The council delivers some good quality services to local people, such as street cleaning, refuse collection and homelessness services.
A focus on regeneration in the borough has been successful, bringing new developments and businesses into the area and also enhancing the environment..
The council has a sound financial base, is successful at attracting external funding and is putting the right things in place for future improvements.
We find it incredible that so much good work can be undone so quickly!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
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