There are a number of observations and suggestions within the main section of the report. The following are the peer team’s key recommendations to the Council:

Recommendation 1

There needs to be greater clarity in the MTFS so that the transformation programme savings outcomes are reflected in the MTFS.

Recommendation 2

Finance staff need to be engaged early in the transformation programme business case process.

Recommendation 3

The Council should review the spending controls and ensure they are fit for purpose.

Recommendation 4

The Council needs to keep alive the longer-term strategic opportunities, whilst also focusing on the immediate medium-term financial challenges.

Recommendation 5

The transformation programme needs to act with pace, addressing culture issues and thereby allowing change to happen and embed, whilst ensuring there is capacity to deliver (e.g. commissioning within Children’s Services).

Recommendation 6

The Council should develop a Children's Services transformation and reform plan that sets out the vision, ambition, and priorities, making clear the link to financial sustainability over the course of the MTFS.

Recommendation 7

Deputy Directors need to be empowered to deliver change, knowing they have the full backing of CLT, pulling together through the transformation plan.

Recommendation 8

The Council needs to work as "one council", breaking down silos to get the whole organisation working together to meet the transformation and financial sustainability challenges.

Recommendation 9

The Council needs to consider the role executive members play in the transformation programme.

Recommendation 10

Consideration should be given to the membership of the Audit Committee to ensure it maintains the distinction between executive and scrutiny functions.

Recommendation 11

The CLT need to better understand their role as champions for children in Bexley, and in doing so, better support their Cabinet Members to fulfil that role.

Recommendation 12

The Council should undertake a fundamental review of partnership working to ensure Bexley strategically maximises outcomes for residents.