The organisational culture at Newcastle City Council has improved but ‘significant behavioural and trust issues’ still remain, according to an LGA Peer report.

The review, carried out by a Local Government Association peer team in December 2025, was commissioned after councillors voted in December 2024 to investigate governance and leadership following the resignation of the former council leader and a cabinet member amid sustained adverse publicity.

Peers found the council now has good leadership, effective governance and strong relationships between senior officers and cabinet, with most people interviewed reporting improved culture since late 2024.

However, the report warns that the council's shift from majority control to no overall control has strained some councillor relationships, with a small number of cases involving breakdowns in trust between councillors and officers.

The biggest risk identified was behaviour among some councillors outside the administration, including frequent complaints between members and heavy use of freedom of information requests reflecting distrust of officers.

The report recommends a package of reforms, including councillor induction programmes, a renewed ‘Debate not Hate’ pledge, clearer access to information, and stronger scrutiny arrangements, ahead of May's all-out elections.

Commenting on the report’s findings, the new leader of the council, Cllr Colin Ferguson, said: ‘On the whole the report is positive, and confirms that the governance arrangements we have in place are fit for purpose. An action plan will be put in place to address any improvements and I will present that to Cabinet this month.’