South Ayrshire Council News

South Ayrshire Council has received a welcome boost from Audit Scotland, who have commented that Council’s performance and management is showing a new sense of optimism and purpose which is driving business forwards.

Speaking during the Council’s Resources and Performance Scrutiny Panel meeting, representatives from Audit Scotland remarked that: “South Ayrshire Council has moved on a lot. There’s a real change of mood and a renewed sense of purpose driving things.”

Panel members also heard that the Council had taken positive and proactive approaches to the problems it was facing and is moving “in the right direction to be a success.” The auditors also expressed optimism that rapid progress will be made over the coming months, thanks to the ongoing work that is being carried out.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: ”We have worked extremely hard during the last nine months and we have been supported by Audit Scotland who have helped us recognise the risks we face and how we can best manage these and we have taken a big step forwards thanks to the work that has been done so far.

“I am delighted the auditors have seen and recognised the changes we have made. I share and endorse their optimism on the future performance and management of South Ayrshire Council and I firmly believe we have turned a corner.

“There is much still to be done, and we will build on this new and exciting sense of purpose, ensuring that we deliver to the highest expectations of all our residents.”

The auditors’ comments were also welcomed by David Anderson, South Ayrshire Council’s Chief Executive, who said: “We have been working very hard looking at the opportunities and risks facing the Council and have benefited from the advice given to us by Audit Scotland during our Strategic Audit Risk Analysis.

“It is pleasing that we are being seen to be on the right track, although there is no room for complacency and we still have work to do in order to deliver on our performance and management goals.

“However, I am very pleased that the auditors are noting the differences in our approach so quickly and I would like to commend our employees for rising to the challenges so effectively and in such a short space of time.