The Head of Corporate Office introduced the report of the Chief Executive which provided an update on the Council’s continuing improvement programme. It included the outcome of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge re-visit conducted in November 2022, as well as an in-year review of progress delivering against the Wirral Plan and the Council’s Improvement Plan which were both agreed at Council on 11 July 2022.

The refreshed Wirral Plan also included a number of key priorities for 2022/23 in line with current and emerging issues and challenges. An interim progress report, highlighting the achievement against these priorities was included as Appendix 3. It was reported that a year-end report would be compiled and reported in Summer/Autumn as a new Wirral Plan was refreshed to align with the new Council administration following the local elections in May.

The Committee noted the planned withdrawal of the Independent Assurance Panel and welcomed the progress the Council had demonstrated via its Improvement Plan.

Resolved – That the Council’s progress made to date be endorsed and further collaborative working in support of the Council’s on-going improvement be supported.