Laura Sharman 06 October 2020

Councils need 'right culture, skills and systems' for commercial strategies

Councils must have the right culture, skills and systems to unlock the benefits and mitigate the risks of commercialisation, a report has concluded today.

Published by the Auditor General for Wales, the report identifies the seven building blocks for an effective commercial approach

This includes agreeing what commercialisation means for the council, evaluating their current performance, and understanding the impact of commercial choices on residents.

The report states: ‘If the approach to commercialisation is not well managed or does not deliver what is intended, it can also place the council’s financial health at risk. And the more a council adopts a commercial mind-set, the more it pushes beyond its comfort zone and management of risk.’

Auditor General, Adrian Crompton, said: ‘Should councils decide to invest in commercial opportunities, they need to be clear what the benefits are for the council, local people and the wider community. Being open about where money is being invested and the benefits this will bring is essential to get buy in from stakeholders.’

The Auditor General for Wales has also published a report today examining how local government finances have coped with the pandemic.

It found that Welsh councils have coped well so far partly due to the level of reserves held, but there is future uncertainty on how the financial challenge will be met in the future.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Leicestershire County Council
Up to £234,171
This is a rare opportunity to lead a council with both strength and ambition at a time of change. Leicestershire
Recuriter: Leicestershire County Council

Director of Adults and Integrated Commissioning

Kent County Council
up to £129,530 per annum
A career-defining role at the heart of adult social care transformation. Kent
Recuriter: Kent County Council

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner