The Leader introduced the report and explained this is the first report on Thurrock Council’s Improvement and Recovery that puts outcomes at the front and centre. It is an honest assessment of where the council is. The primary audience for the report is the commissioners and Government, the secondary audience is members and officers of the council. It is important to remember what a bad place the council was in two years ago and how far it has come.

The Leader stated that has been a new approach to Overview and Scrutiny, work has been completed to improve Risk Management. The culture of the organisation is still not good enough and members behaviour is at times not reaching the standard expected.

The Leader commented that he looked forward to sharing the report with commissioners at the Improvement and Recovery Board next week and with all members at Full Council next week.

Councillor Muldowney welcomed the report and the progress it highlights and thanked the officers and members who had contributed to it. Councillor Muldowney highlighted that audit is progressing well but there is still a long way to go. Despite the very large investments risk was not properly assessed previously, good strides have been made this year and she looks forward to it being further embedded in the organisation.

Recommendations:

1.1          Cabinet noted the progress made on the Council’s improvement and recovery within the context of the Outcomes Framework

1.2          Cabinet agreed to refer this report to Full Council for the consideration of all Members