The report from the District Auditor on Penrith New Squareshas been published today (9 June) and will be considered by Eden District Councillors at the full Council meeting on 17 June 2010 at Penrith Town Hall.
Following the Council’s decision not to proceed with the original Sainsbury’s proposal in December 2009, the Council decided to review the way the project had been managed to ensure any lessons were learned on future major projects the Council undertook.
An external review was proposed and the District Auditor agreed to undertake the work. They have interviewed Officers and Members and several of the Council’s external advisors along with reviewing all files, information and reports.
The report makes four recommendations to further improve how the Council should manage this project and future major projects. The recommendations are:
- Adopt an objective, scored and documented method for evaluating future competitive bids that demonstrates that proper consideration has been given to all necessary matters and that proper weighting has been given to each element.
- Review the project management arrangements to ensure that there is sufficient capacity within the Council to deliver the Penrith New Squares development to its successful completion.
- Provide Councillors with training and development in the planning and delivery of major projects.
- Provide regular reports to Councillors explaining progress made against agreed timetables set at the start of projects. Ensure that any revisions to the timetable agreed are communicated and understood.
However, the overall conclusion of the report is that the Council did obtain the best outcome it could from the site, the delays were largely outside the control of the Council, the Council has not only protected its existing assets but has gained assets through land donated by Lowther Manelli Properities and the Football Stadium. The report also highlighted that the Council also secured its financial position by the inclusion of a step in process with Sainsbury’s.
However, the report does recommend improved reporting to Members against the agreed timetable, better training for Councillors on managing and overseeing major projects and a documented and scored evaluation system for evaluating future selection of competitive bids. The report also highlights the need for the Council to review its capacity to ensure appropriate resources are available to manage the project.
“Overall we welcome the report from the District Auditor who has provided a constructive and impartial review of this complex and difficult project. The four recommendations made will be considered by the Council and will help in both the future management of this project and all other major Council projects” said Councillor Gordon Nicolson, Leader of the Eden District Council.
“Since the District Auditor’s review began, the Council did agree to step in arrangements with Sainsbury’s on 10 March 2010 and all parties are now working towards the restart of the project and the building out of the scheme. The report provides a valuable external assessment of this difficult and complex project and we welcome the recommendations which will help in the ongoing management of this and future projects,” said Eden District Council’s Chief Executive, Kevin Douglas.
For further information contact:
Read the Audit Commission's report on Penrith New Squares. For more background information on Penrith New Squares visit our Planning section.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For more information contact: Eden District Council's Communication Officer tel: 01768 212137 or mobile: 077159 90460.
David Rose Regional Communications Manager Audit Commission tel: 07974 751604 or email: d-rose@audit-commission.gov.uk (Media Enquiries only).
Eden District Council has 38 elected members and is the most sparsely populated district in England and Wales. The District area covers 830 square miles and has scenic landscapes, historic market towns, excellent tourist facilities and vibrant communities. The Council’s strategic aim is: To Best Serve the People of Eden.
The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services so they deliver better outcomes for everyone. It is responsible for the audit of most local public services. It appoints auditors who provide assurance that public money is being safeguarded and properly accounted for, and assess value for money across local government, health, police, fire and rescue, and other public services.
