An independent report has praised the leadership at Newcastle City Council and said culture at the authority has improved in recent years.
The independent report was commissioned following a motion in December 2024 brought forward by the new Leader of the Council, Cllr Colin Ferguson, then in his position as Leader of the Opposition.
He had called on an independent inquiry to look at political culture in the council, and the Local Government Association (LGA) were appointed to undertake the review.
Following a series of interviews and focus groups, an LGA report has been completed and will be presented to elected members at a meeting of full council next week, the first available opportunity for the new Administration to do so.
The report recognises that many of the issues raised by the original motion were historic, with the council as described as being in a “different place” than when the motion was passed, and makes a series of recommendations to develop the political culture further.
An action plan will be presented by the Leader of the Council at a meeting of Cabinet later this month, which outlines some areas where the council can improve. That includes a better induction for councillors, as well as improved training for both councillors and officers.
Cllr Ferguson said he had enjoyed “an incredibly positive relationship” with officers since forming an administration and will work with the Corporate Leadership Team to ensure the report recommendations are implemented, in line with his commitment to strengthening the positive political culture.
The Gosforth-councillor said: “We are in a very different place now than when this motion was brought forward, particularly given we now have 52 new members following the May elections. Nevertheless, my original motion committed to a report coming back to Council, and I pledged before the local elections that I would do just that if I became Leader.
“On the whole the report is positive, and confirms that the governance arrangements we have in place are fit for purpose. An action plan will be put in place to address any improvements and I will present that to Cabinet this month.
“I have enjoyed a positive relationship with officers since becoming Leader, have welcomed my engagement with members from all political groups so far, and I look forward to working collaboratively I have enjoyed an incredibly positive relationship with officers since becoming Leader and I am excited to be working collaboratively across the council chamber in this new political landscape.”
The report also praised the council Chief Executive Pam Smith and senior officers for “promoting integrity and transparency”.
Chief Executive Pam Smith said: “We have a passionate leadership team who stand ready to support all elected members in a shared ambition to delivery the very best outcomes for residents in Newcastle. I am pleased that the report recognises this and the positive changes that have taken place.”
Cllr Ferguson will present the independent report at the meeting of council on Wednesday, July 15.
ENDS