Published today, the report by the local government watchdog welcomes progress since 2013 in the council’s decision making, scrutiny, governance, and improving relationships both between political groups, and members and officers.

In its findings the Commission says the council needs to be more transparent and open and improve how it involves communities to build trust and confidence of service users and the public.

Like all councils, Argyll and Bute has to make substantial savings over the next few years and so far has mainly looked at cutting services rather than doing things differently. The Commission says this approach is not sustainable and needs to be more clearly linked to the council’s priorities and based on rigorous appraisal of options for redesigning services.

The report also highlights long-standing personal and political differences between a small number of councillors, senior officers and the Argyll and Bute constituency MSP. The Commission’s firm view is that the interests of the public are best served by a shared commitment by all parties to maintaining constructive relationships and high standards of conduct.

Accounts Commission chair Douglas Sinclair said: “Argyll and Bute has made good progress but has more to do in key areas such as being more open and transparent, how it engages with the public, and developing a longer term financial strategy.

“There are now good foundations on which it can build.”

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