Turnaround at Dudley Council praised

The government has said there have been "significant improvements" at Dudley Council as it lifts a best value notice served on the authority last year.

The notice, issued last July, highlighted recommendations from an external auditor in January 2024, who called for "urgent action to address the council's budget position and use of reserves".

Welcoming the lifting of the notice, leader Patrick Harley said there had been "significant work to strengthen governance and improve financial management".

Local Government and Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said her department would continue to work with the council to ensure "sustained and cultural change is embedded".

Issuing the notice last year, the government also cited concerns over the council's historical difficulties in delivering planned savings and significant value for money, alongside cultural issues related to councillor behaviour towards council officers.

At the time, it acknowledged that work to make changes had already begun.

The notice will officially be lifted on 16 July, the earliest date possible.

Leader Patrick Harley said: "The decision to lift the notice is an important endorsement of the commitment and hard work shown by all those involved.

"I am particularly proud of our staff and cabinet members, who have demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and dedication throughout a period of considerable change."

He said there had been a focus on delivering services for residents while embracing improvement.

"I remain firmly committed to embedding the cultural change, effective leadership and robust governance arrangements that have supported our progress to date, ensuring they become fully embedded across the organisation," Harley added.

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