An independent review of Cherwell District Council as a standalone authority for the first time in a decade, has heralded it as a leader of place, with big ambitions and a track record of delivering.
Published: Tuesday, 21st February 2023
In November 2022, Cherwell District Council invited the Local Government Association (LGA) to carry out a Peer Review Challenge, involving a team of Leaders, Chief Executives and Directors from leading local authorities across the country who came together to undertake a root and branch review of the authority.
The LGA report, which followed weeks of background reading and four days of meetings with more than 145 stakeholders including representatives from the business sector, community and voluntary sector, Cherwell District Council staff, councillors and town and parish councils. The team highlighted Cherwell’s many strengths including its ability to attract growth and inward investment to supporting its communities' housing needs.
Councillor Barry Wood, Leader of the Council, said: “Inviting the LGA to be a critical friend so early on our journey as a solo authority was in our view essential to ensuring that through our emerging plans, we were charting a successful course for the future.
"We were therefore delighted that the review confirmed what we already knew about ourselves – that working with partners to deliver the best outcomes for our communities is in our DNA, we have ambitious plans but also a track record in delivering, and we have committed councillors and first-class officers that make this all possible.
"It also gave us the confidence that we are on course for creating a bright and prosperous future for Cherwell as the LGA’s recommendations were all projects and programmes of work that we already have underway or captured in a future delivery plan.”
The LGA Peer Challenge Report and a proposed action plan for the council will be considered at a meeting of full council Monday 27 February.