Improvement plans and action
The Council has been working on recovery and improvement since government intervention began in December 2021. During 2024, improvement activity accelerated in preparation for the extension of the intervention arrangements until November 2026.
The Council's latest Improvement and Recovery Plan was approved in May 2025.
Improvement and Recovery Plan 2025-2026
It was refreshed in May 2026. This updated reflects the Council's next stage of improvement and transformation. The refresh takes account of the Target Operating Model approved in November 2025, the Transformation Plan agreed in February 2026, and feedback from the Best Value Commissioners.
The plan outlines the practical steps being taken to become a Best Value Council and supports the Council's wider vision and priorities. Through the plan, the Council is working to improve services, strengthen financial sustainability, support effective decision-making and improve residents' experience of Council services.
Improvement & Recovery Update and Refresh 2026
Additional documents:
Appendix 1 - Programme Dashboard 2026
Transformation and operating model
In November 2025, the Council adopted a new Target Operating Model which sets out how the organisation will operate in the future.
Adopting more consistent ways of working has been a key requirement of the government’s intervention programme. The Council is working towards becoming an "Enabling Council", working more closely with residents, communities and partner organisations to improve outcomes, make services easier to access and provide better value for money.
Through this transformation, residents should see the following improvements: clearer information, better digital services, continued support for those who need face-to-face help, more joined-up services, greater opportunities to influence decisions and a stronger focus on preventing problems before they arise. The aim is to provide better outcomes for residents while making the best use of public money.
A full and comprehensive Transformation Plan was approved in February 2026, setting out the changes required to deliver the Council's future vision and operating model.
This built on:
- Initial high level Transformation Plan and Operating Model 2025
- Appendix 2 - Operating model context - developed with Boston Consulting group
- Appendix 3 - Target Operating model - developed with Boston Consulting group
The changes set out in the Transformation Plan are now being progressed across the Council.
An Improvement and Recovery Plan (IRP) was first developed in March 2022 to establish the themes, priorities and actions needed to rebuild the Council and drive sustainable improvement.
This sits alongside the Council's Corporate Plan 2023-2027 sets out its long-term vision and strategic priorities. The plan was updated in 2023 to support the delivery of change and ensure resources are used effectively to achieve the best possible outcomes for residents.