An independent audit has given Dundee City Council the seal of approval, hailing the authority as “well-run, with a clear vision to address challenges”.
The report was carried out by the Accounts Commission, which holds councils and local government bodies in Scotland to account.
The report praised the council’s “effective leadership, good financial management and engagement with communities”.
The organisation operates impartially and independently of councils and the Scottish Government.
Council bosses and leaders welcomed the report’s findings but acknowledged more work needs to be done.
Council leader John Alexander said: “These positive findings by the Accounts Commission are a strong validation of the excellent work that’s being carried out by the council in a number of areas.
“We know that there are some areas where more needs to be done to improve the lives of people in the city, and we are working hard with our partners to deliver that change.
“Despite the challenges of the past few years and the difficult financial road that lies ahead, our bold ambitions for a smarter, fairer, more vibrant and attractive Dundee are undiminished.”
The authority was commended in the report for its strong focus on community engagement and working with community groups to support residents struggling with rising living costs.
Its work towards net zero has also been praised, with the council having several plans and strategies that are focused on tackling climate change and reaching net zero by 2045.
Dundee City Council ‘still facing challenges’
However, the report highlighted that the council’s future financial plans show the public authority is staring down a cumulative funding gap of £38 million for the 2024-2027 period.
It has been recommended that the council should update its plan to outline how funds will be directed to key areas in the next decade.
It has also been stressed in the report that Dundee has high levels of deprivation, drug deaths and child poverty.
And there are also challenges in reducing the educational attainment gap.
The council is said to be taking action to tackle these issues, but this will take time to determine the impact of this work.
Hopes for new confidence in the council
Council bosses hope that this new report will give the Dundee public new-found confidence in their local authority.
Chief Executive Greg Colgan added: “These findings are welcome recognition of our efforts to continue to deliver for the communities we serve, and are testament to the hard work and commitment of our council employees.
“I’m particularly heartened by the praise for our commitment to community empowerment and engagement, and also by the endorsement of our good financial management and planning – something that is more important now than ever with the economic climate we find ourselves in.
“Ultimately, this independent assessment and scrutiny should give people who live and work in the city confidence that their local authority is well-led, delivering quality services and providing best value.”
Conversation