The peer challenges are provided by the LGA (Local Government Association) at no cost, as part of their sector led improvement programme - they are a key part of the LGA's improvement and assurance framework for local government, supporting improvement and assurance, and to assist councils in meeting part of their Best Value duty

The process is designed to be forward looking, facilitative and problem solving. It is not a form of inspection and does not rank or score the council in any way.

The peer team was made up of seven people with a wealth of experience across the public sector:

• Lead officer peer: Bindu Arjoon, Chief Executive, Exeter City Council
• Lead member peer: Cllr Joe Harris, Leader, Cotswold District Council
• Isabel Edgar, Director of Operations, East Cambridgeshire District Council
• Nick Khan, Strategic Director, East Suffolk District Council
• David Clark, Service Director Governance, Democratic and Legal Services (Monitoring Officer), Somerset Council
• Harry Parker, LGA Peer
• Katie Goodger, LGA Peer Challenge Manager.

The peer challenge team recognised the council as:

• a well-run, high performing council, delivering for residents and the area. 
• having good financial management 
• committed to consultation and engagement and the value it has on decision making
• having impressive work on climate change, which is also embedded within the organisation
• clear local priorities in our council plan

 The peer team highlighted 9 key recommendations that can help the council further improve services over the coming years.

To implement the peer team's recommendations, we have produced an action plan, and will assess progress against that plan. The action plan - which is subject to Cabinet consideration on 15th October 2024 - is available to view from the links on the right of the page.