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Independent panel praises our improvement progress

Aerial image of town

At a meeting of Full Council held on Tuesday 15 September 2026, we welcomed the latest assessment from the Independent Assurance Panel, which confirms that our Improvement Plan remains fit for purpose and that the risk of failing to meet our statutory Best Value duty is now "much lower". 

The Panel's fourth six-monthly report, presented to Full Council, highlights continued progress in strengthening governance, improving performance and delivering organisational change. While Housing Services remains the Council's most significant area of risk, the Panel recognised ongoing improvements and emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum, particularly as the Council continues to support Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey. 

The Independent Assurance Panel was appointed in July 2024 to provide external oversight of the Council's three-year improvement programme following the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) governance reviews. Two years on, the Council continues to make significant progress in delivering its improvement journey. 

Andrew Flockhart, Chair of the Independent Assurance Panel, said: 

"We were encouraged by the significant progress the Council continues to make through its Improvement Plan and its commitment to adapting and responding to changing circumstances. The improvements delivered have strengthened the Council's position considerably and reduced the risk of it failing to meet its statutory Best Value duty. 

"Particularly encouraging is the progress being made in Housing Services, which remains the Council's most significant area of challenge. The Council has achieved this while managing the considerable demands of Local Government Reorganisation, demonstrating strong leadership and a clear commitment to continuous improvement. 

"While there is more to do, the progress made to date provides a strong foundation for the future and greater confidence in the Council's ability to deliver lasting improvements for residents and tenants." 

Leader of the Council, Cllr Julia McShane, said: 

"We are pleased that the Panel has again recognised the progress being made across the organisation. Their assessment shows that our Improvement Plan is delivering tangible results and helping us become a stronger, more resilient and better-managed council. 

"We remain focused on improving housing services, supporting Local Government Reorganisation and delivering the best possible outcomes for our residents, communities, businesses and staff." 

Since the Improvement Plan was adopted in July 2024, each independent assessment has reported positive progress and a continuing reduction in the Council's Best Value risk. 

The Council remains committed to delivering its Improvement Plan and maintaining high-quality services throughout the transition to the new West Surrey Council. 

 

 

Published date: 16 September 2026