Darlington council 'well-run and high-performing' after review

The authority said feedback from the Local Government Association's (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge highlighted its strong reputation, positive culture and trusted partnerships, while also identifying areas where it could improve further.

A Corporate Peer Challenge is a sector-led review in which experienced council leaders and officers assess an authority's leadership, governance, financial management and performance before making recommendations for improvement. 

The peer team visited Darlington in March, meeting council staff, elected members and partner organisations before producing a report on the authority's strengths and opportunities for development.

Their report concluded the council was "well-run and high-performing, with a strong reputation, positive culture and trusted partnerships, consistently delivering impact beyond its size".

It also said staff were "proud and empowered", leadership was "financially disciplined" and there were "significant opportunities for growth supported by strong partner confidence".

The review also identified areas for improvement, including reducing pressure on staff capacity, strengthening some systems and processes and demonstrating more clearly how the council's ambitions will translate into measurable outcomes. 

Council leader Stephen Harker said the findings reflected the work of staff across the authority.

He said: "The feedback from the LGA peer reviewers has been positive, reflecting the great work staff across the council do to deliver services to our communities.

"Of course, there are always areas where we can improve – we are never finished getting better. The feedback reflects that and sets out areas where the council can be even better – going from good to great – in the future."

Meanwhile, chief executive Rose Rouse said taking part in the review had been a valuable experience.

"It offers a rare opportunity to benefit from honest, constructive feedback from experienced colleagues across local government," she said.

"We certainly punch above our weight in Darlington and it's great the peer team have recognised this."

The council has published an action plan setting out how it intends to respond to the recommendations, which is due to be considered by cabinet members on July 13.