Peer review gives outstanding praise to Borough Council

The in-depth review by the national LGA Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) team pointed to the strong connection between the Borough Council and its communities as one of several highlights.

The Borough Council invited the CPC team to Hinckley and Bosworth for a three-day review in December 2024. During their visit, they spoke to more than 150 people including council staff at all levels, councillors, businesses and other external stakeholders.

They found a council “dedicated to serving its communities” that “actively leads on, promotes and supports major development projects to achieve this goal”. Their report also notes a “strong emphasis by members and officers on supporting communities and responding to their diverse needs”. The review found the council’s community leadership role to be over and above what many councils achieve.

Other positives highlighted by the report include the council’s strong and visible leadership, the passion and loyalty of its staff, its excellent track record in partnership working and its effective financial management.

Key highlights of the review: 

• An ambitious and forward-looking council focused on economic growth
• Dedicated to serving its communities and actively leads on, promotes and supports major development projects to achieve this goal
• The community leadership role of the council is considerable, over and above what many councils achieve
• There is strong and visible leadership with the Leader and the CEO complementing one another
• The Chief Executive is highly regarded by partners and businesses and plays an important role in strategic partnerships. He is seen as accessible and plays a key role in facilitating major projects
• There is a strong emphasis by members and officers on supporting communities and responding to their diverse needs
• There is a good understanding of the socio demographic and diverse needs of the district, which has resulted in tailored projects and community support programmes to the communities
• The passion and loyalty of staff and members is palpable in day-to-day and community-based work
• Financial management and budget setting is clear and effective

Bill Cullen, Chief Executive of the Borough Council, said “I am extremely proud that the passion and loyalty of our people shone through during the peer challenge. This is a testament to everyone at the council for their hard work and dedication to their roles and is reflected by the team’s conclusion that the council punches above its weight.”

Borough Council Leader Stuart Bray said: “It’s so rewarding to see a national team of external peers recognise the strong support we provide and bond we have with our communities. Our community and economic development work is so important to everyone at the council, politicians and staff alike.

“I would like to thank the CPC team for coming and spending time with us here in Hinckley and Bosworth. We look forward to welcoming them back for a progress review next year.”