William Eichler 05 March 2024

Combined authority criticised for ‘inconsistent’ best value approach

Combined authority criticised for ‘inconsistent’ best value approach  image
Image: Sutthiphong Chandaeng / Shutterstock.com.

The Government has criticised the West of England Combined Authority for what it describes as ‘inconsistent action’ over repeatedly flagged value for money concerns.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has issued the combined authority with a best value notice setting out a long list of concerns.

The DLUHC cites the poor state of professional relationships between the mayor and the members of the authority and warns the purpose of the authority has not been ‘collectively understood’.

The department also said the combined authority ‘lacks a clear, shared narrative regarding the West of England and how it will operate for the benefit of the wider region.’

The notice follows reports by Grant Thornton and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) in 2022 and 2023 respectively which raised best value concerns.

Richard Ennis, West of England Combined Authority interim chief executive, said the authority had made ‘significant progress’.

He added: ‘There is still more work for us to do, and I look forward to working with our regional partners and the Independent Improvement Board to address the challenges specifically highlighted in the best value notice.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner