Local Government Association Assesses Rossendale Council As ‘Impressive’

Rossendale Borough Council have hosted a visit of a team from the Local Government Association. The corporate peer challenge is used by councils across the country to understand how well they are delivering for local residents and to share ideas on how they can accelerate some of their plans. 

The team, made up of councillors and officials from other local authorities, found the council to be ‘really impressive’. They assessed that the council really cares about local communities, is ambitious and has a clear plan which it is delivering in tackling major challenges like climate change and improving town centres. 

It recognised the council’s ability to deliver good quality services despite a number of years of cuts in Government funding. The team acknowledged that in the future the council will need to match its ambition with enough capacity if it’s going to continue to deliver successfully. 

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of the Council stated: “We welcome the external challenge from our local government peers from across the country. I’m immensely proud of Rossendale and what we have delivered over a number of years. It’s good to see the team recognised what a great place Rossendale is to do business, visit and live. 

“The Local Government Association team asked us difficult questions and constructively challenged our approach as well as bringing ideas from other parts of the country for how we might do more, for example, on tackling climate change and to improve our financial position.  

“We continue to work hard for residents to deliver on the things that are important to them, like clean streets, thriving town centres and looking to improve our parks and play areas.”