Our journey to improvement
Following a review of our governance and finances by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) in summer 2021, a number of recommendations were made to enable us to reach a sustainable financial footing as quickly as possible.
Our Members signed off an Improvement Plan in December 2021 which sets out how we will move towards a stable financial footing, while still providing the quality statutory and day-to-day services that residents need.
Members also appointed the Peterborough Independent Improvement and Assurance Panel. The panel provides:
- External advice, challenge and expertise to us in driving forward the development and delivery of the plan
- Feedback and assurance to Full Council and the Secretary of State on the progress being made
The panel reports back on our progress every six months.
- View the Report of the Peterborough City Council Independent Improvement and Assurance Panel from 22 June 2022 on the Democracy Peterborough website (opens PDF)
- View the Report of the Peterborough City Council Independent Improvement and Assurance Panel from 7 December 2022 on the Democracy Peterborough website (opens PDF)
In the latest report from the Improvement Panel (published in December 2022), it describes our progress as 'significant'.
Improvement Plan
This comprehensive action plan sets out the steps we will take to reach a stable financial position while still delivering quality vital services for residents.
It follows three important themes:
Financial sustainability
The recovery and improvement of Peterborough relies on us setting a balanced budget for 2022/23. This will mean taking bold decisions to turn off spending in areas that are no longer core or that we can’t afford as we constantly challenge ourselves on how we spend every penny.
Service reviews
We need to urgent review our key services including contracts and assets. The reviews will generate options and recommendations for doing things differently.
Governance and culture
We will refresh our Corporate Strategy and key policies so our spending plans line up with the outcomes we need to achieve.
Sustainable Future City Council Strategy
Full Council approved the Sustainable Future City Council Strategy and City Priorities in October 2022.
