Corporate peer challenge

The Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge is a sector-led improvement review. It is delivered by experienced councillors and senior officers from other local authorities.
It is not an inspection and does not judge the council as good or bad. 

Instead, it provides:

• external reassurance 
• constructive challenge
• opportunities to learn from peers

The process helps us reflect honestly on what:

• is working well
• is challenging 
• our future focus is

Challenge themes

Local priorities and outcomes

Are our priorities clear and informed by the local context? Are we delivering effectively on our priorities? Are we achieving improved outcomes for all our communities?

Organisational and place leadership

Do we provide effective local leadership? Do we have good relationships with partner organisations and local communities?

Governance and culture

Do we have clear and robust governance arrangements? Do we have a culture of respect, challenge and scrutiny?

Financial planning and management

Do we have a grip on our current financial position? Do we have a strategy and a clear plan to address our financial challenges?

Capacity for improvement

Are we able to support delivery of local priorities? Do we have the capacity to improve?

Summary of challenge outcome

The latest corporate peer challenge took place over the period 3 to 6 March 2026. During the 4 day visit, the team of 8 peers gathered information and views from over 140 colleagues (council staff and councillors) and partner organisations’ representatives. The team noted we are a well-respected organisation, delivering good services to residents.

Challenge documents

The documents below provide more detail about the peer challenge and its outcome.

The report sets out the findings and the council’s action plan.

As part of the process, we are expecting a follow up visit to check in our progress in early December.