Independent review praises council as ‘effective, committed and community driven’

That’s what a group of independent reviewers from the Local Government Association (LGA) has concluded in a new report on the district council.

Five peers, who are a mix of highly knowledgeable and experienced councillors and senior officers from different local authorities across the country, visited Three Rivers House, the council’s head office in Rickmansworth, for four days in February to evaluate the council, its services and culture and highlight the authority’s strengths and improvements.

The report was highly complimentary of council officers, stating staff “consistently describe feeling proud to work for the council, pointing to close working relationships and a loyal, long-serving workforce that delivers successfully”.

The LGA found that that all Three Rivers councillors have a “strong sense of dedication to their communities” and the peers were impressed with the ‘strong and stable’ relationship between political and officer leadership.

Partnership working was “undoubtedly a strong feature” for the council – with the Healthy Hubs highlighted as a standout as a great example of collaborative working with partners that supports residents’ wellbeing and reducing demand on statutory services.

On the council’s finances, the review praised its “strong financial position” that benefited from “strong financial leadership supported by robust budget monitoring, comprehensive financial reporting and effective risk management arrangements”.

The report also found the council to have  a ‘creative’ and ‘effective’ approach to housing delivery thanks to investments and successful collaboration with partners that manage local constraints and protect the Green Belt. The report also commended the council’s commitment to sustainability as ‘well resourced’ that focuses on a greener future.

The peers particularly praised the improvements in the council’s communications with residents, partners and staff, describing them as “particularly effective” and “significantly  strengthened” since the last review in 2019.

In summary, the peers wrote that the council is "an effective, committed and community driven organisation with substantial strengths to build upon”.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “I am delighted with the positive review and constructive feedback. It shows that Three Rivers is in a strong place that is managed effectively where every pound is carefully spent to make sure we get the best for our residents.

“It is very pleasing to read the high praise our dedicated and proud staff received from the peers. Our staff, no matter what role they have, truly help make our district a great place to live, work and visit, and I want to say a huge thank you for all their efforts. Their dedication has not gone unnoticed and is truly valued.

“Of course, there is always room for improvement and with Local Government Reorganisation on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to build on this positive feedback so that our great work and achievements are not diluted when Three Rivers District Council is absorbed with neighbouring authorities.”

The report will be going before the council’s Policy and Resources Committee on 1 June to be agreed by councillors. An action plan to implement recommendations within the report is expected to then be produced. The full report can be read here.