West Dunbartonshire Council leader slates Accounts Commission’s findings

COUNCIL leader Iain Robertson has hit out at inspectors for failing to fully recognise the outstanding performance of West Dunbartonshire’s social work and education services.

He insists he is “disappointed” the Accounts Commission has instead focused on negative aspects of the running of the local authority.

This comes after Audit Scotland’s progress report criticised the council for political infighting, poor relations between councillors and officers, community engagement and financial planning.

Council Leader Iain Robertson said: “We accept the Commission’s findings.

“I am disappointed however, that the Accounts Commission has not fully recognised the achievements of our frontline services. Key services like education and social work and other services have achieved high levels of performance and national recognition.

“The Accounts Commission is meant to encourage improvement. There is little in the report that will encourage staff and our communities to feel that progress can be made.”

Chief Executive David McMillan said: “I fully accept the limited progress the council has made in the four areas highlighted by the report and welcome the recommendations before us.”

He added: “West Dunbartonshire is continuing to outperform against 36 statutory performance indicators out of 51, placing the council significantly above the national average.”