Council’s impressive engagement with communities highlighted by auditor

Published 05 October 2026

West Dunbartonshire Council has welcomed an independent audit report praising its community engagement and resident-focused approach to decision making.

The Best Value report, published by the Accounts Commission following an in-depth review of the Council, highlighted consultation and feedback approaches which ensure local people’s views shape services and decisions that affect their communities.

The report also noted the Council’s strong leadership, effective governance and impactful work to improve the lives of residents, alongside continuous improvement demonstrated by positive performance across many key services.

Auditors recognised the Council’s effective management of finances and robust scrutiny from elected members.

Acknowledging transformation is embedded throughout Council services, auditors recommended that the pace and scale of this should now accelerate to ensure the Council remains sustainable in the face of ongoing financial challenges.

Council Leader Councillor Martin Rooney said: "We welcome this positive independent assessment, which highlights progress in a number of areas and acknowledges the work that has been undertaken to improve services and deliver for local people.

"It is particularly encouraging that auditors recognised our commitment to listening to communities and the positive outcomes being delivered as a result.

"We also recognise that there are challenges ahead, particularly in relation to the financial pressures facing local government, but we are committed to building on our many strengths and delivering the change required to ensure the Council remains sustainable and resilient into the future.”

Chief Executive Peter Hessett added: “It is extremely encouraging that, despite the financial challenges facing the council, auditors recognised the resident-focused work underway to improve West Dunbartonshire.

“This positive report reflects the dedication of our officers, elected members and communities, whose commitment continues to drive improvement across the area.

“We will build on this strong foundation by continuing to work closely with residents, using the report’s findings to inform and strengthen our future planning and transformation work.”

The Commission published its findings in September following a significant review of the Council conducted over several months in 2026.

The Council will now consider the findings in detail and incorporate the recommendations into its ongoing improvement and transformation programmes.

The report will be brought to a Council meeting for discussion later this year. The full report is available on our website; Best Value Assurance page.