Council must respond to serious findings of Best Value report with decisive action says leader

LABOUR leader of Warrington Borough Council Cllr. Hans Mundry says decisive action is required in response to the serious findings of the Government’s Best Value inspection.

Accepting the recommendations of the Government inspectors Cllr Mundry says it contains important challenges and since he had taken over leadership of the council, “there had already been clear and deliberate steps taken to change its direction.”

Published today (May 8) the Warrington Best Value Inspection findings including concerns relating to governance, leadership, organisational culture, financial management, and the Council’s commercial investment activity. It also identifies areas of strength, including children’s services, public sector partnerships, and community engagement.
The government’s proposed intervention in the Best Value inspection includes the intention to appoint Ministerial Envoys. The Council would remain responsible for delivering improvements, with Envoys providing external support, guidance and challenge.
The Council will be required to develop an Improvement and Recovery Plan, progress reports will be submitted at regular intervals, and performance will be reviewed throughout the intervention period.
Warrington Borough Council has undergone a period of transition at both member and officer level in recent years. The new Leader, Cllr Hans Mundry was appointed in late 2023 and has already taken action to reduce the council’s overall debt position representing what he has described as a “marked change” from previous administrations “refocusing on what matters most, our residents, our town and the quality our services.”

Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Hans Mundry said: “This is a serious report. It contains important challenges and highlights concerns around our strategic financial management, governance arrangements, and cultural approach to scrutiny and risk.
“While the report also recognises some of our strengths, such as our performance in children’s services, our commitment to local communities, and our effective partnerships, it makes clear that we must now take decisive action to improve.
“Let me be absolutely clear, we accept the recommendations set out by government. As Leader of the Council, I am committed to working constructively with government-appointed Ministerial Envoys to ensure that Warrington Borough Council not only meets its Best Value Duty, but also enhances trust and confidence with our residents.
“We do not shy away from the hard truths set out in this report. Over recent years, decisions taken with the aim of protecting frontline services in the face of national funding pressures have created risks that now need to be addressed head-on.
“While we acted with the interests of our town in mind, it is clear that the governance, oversight, and pace of change have not kept pace with the complexity of our financial arrangements.
“Since taking on the leadership of the Council, we have taken clear and deliberate steps to change its direction. One of our most significant actions has been to begin reducing the Council’s overall debt position, shifting toward greater financial sustainability and responsibility, and crucially, refocusing on what matters most, our residents, our town and the quality our services.
“We recognise that culture, leadership, and accountability must be strengthened. We also acknowledge the concerns regarding our commercial investments and the management of debt and risk. That is why we will now work at pace to develop a robust Improvement and Recovery Plan, working transparently with our residents and partners every step of the way.
“This is a moment of reset for Warrington. With support from the Ministerial Envoys and drawing on external expertise where needed, we will make the changes required. We remain proud of our borough, our communities, and our staff; and we are determined to emerge from this process stronger, more accountable, and better equipped to serve the people of Warrington.
“We will be making our full representation to the Secretary of State before the deadline of 22 May and will continue to update the public on our progress.”