Action plan agreed after praise for council’s ambition
An action plan for how we will become even stronger in the future has been approved at a meeting of all councillors.
The plan was developed in response to an independent review of our progress and ambition, which stated that Kirklees has reached an “exciting time in its improvement journey”.
What did the peer challenge highlight?
The review – known as a peer challenge – praised a “desire and civic pride to make Kirklees an extraordinary place”, highlighted “long-term vision” and said the ambition in Kirklees is “exciting and palpable”.
Who carried out the peer challenge?
It was carried out by experts from the Local Government Association (LGA), who also made suggestions for how the we could continue developing its work with people, places and partners.
What are the recommendations?
The LGA’s recommendations have now been discussed at Full Council. They include strengthening our corporate centre, promoting dialogue with local residents and streamlining decision making.
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“The peer challenge has shown that we are making fantastic progress. It has praised our confidence, our ambition and our shared civic pride.
Councils can’t work in isolation and everybody involved, including residents and partner organisations, was found to be passionate about sharing our vision for the district. The report gives excellent feedback about our Cabinet members and workforce, so I’m really proud of the findings.
We are tremendously ambitious for Kirklees, which is highlighted by major long-term projects such as the Huddersfield Blueprint, the plans we are developing for Batley and Dewsbury and the transformation of Spen Leisure Centre
We invited the peer challenge because we wanted an external view of what we are aiming to achieve in the future. I’m delighted that the LGA agree we’re on an exciting journey.
We thank them for their recommendations, which are helping to shape our planning. I can confirm that we were already taking action with several areas they identified.
We are focused on key priorities and we are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of local people every single day. There is more work ahead of us, but we are a strong organisation and very clearly heading in the right direction.”
More information
The full findings of the peer challenge, along with the action plan that has been agreed, are available on our website.