Item 15 Appendix 1
West Dunbartonshire Council · 12 November 2025
Back to Corporate Services Committee — 12 November 2025 and its agenda
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1 Appendix 1: Resources Delivery Plan 2025/26 - Mid-year Progress 1. Our Communities Our residents are supported to increase life and learning skills Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Complete the redevelopment of Glencairn House 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. While there have been delays due to unforeseen circumstances on site, they will not impact the 31 December deadline for the completion and handover of the Children's Library and main building. Michelle Lynn Progress the Faifley Community Campus development 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Phase 1 of the project handed over and completed on programme. Michelle Lynn 2. Our Environment Our neighbourhoods are sustainable and attractive Q1 2025/26 Q2 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Percentage of Consultancy Services project deliverables for General Services projects delivered as planned 40% 20% 50% 40% Target exceeded in both Q1 and Q2 and on track to meet or exceed annual target. Michelle Lynn
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2 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Progress the building upgrades programme 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. The building upgrades programme is on track, with works completed in the first half of the year. Michelle Lynn 3. Our Economy Our area has the infrastructure for sustainable and inclusive growth where businesses can flourish Q1 2025/26 Q2 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Number of invoices paid within 30 calendar days of receipt as a percentage of all invoices paid 94.3% 91% 91% 91% Targets met in both quarters. Ryan Chalmers Our partnerships support economic development to deliver increased prosperity for our area Q1 2025/26 Q2 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Time for processing applications for new Housing Benefits claims from application receipt date to the day the claim is decided 25 25 22.5 25 Targets met in in both quarters despite the increased contact due to migration to universal credits for customers. Ryan Chalmers
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3 Q1 2025/26 Q2 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Time for processing applications for notifications of changes of circumstances for Housing Benefits from the application receipt date to the day the claim is decided 4.9 5 5 5 Targets met in both quarters despite the increased contact due to migration to universal credits for customers. Ryan Chalmers 4. Our Council Our workforce is resilient and skilled where digital technology supports service delivery for our residents Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Develop and implement wellbeing, employee engagement, equality and learning and development plans to enable capabilities, improve resilience and promotion of a diverse workforce 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We continue to develop succession planning and build resilience in key areas across our services. This is done in a number of ways, including revised management structures, identifying potential within current teams to address skills gaps, mapping resilience for critical roles and tasks, including cover arrangements for short-term absence, and highlighting gaps where alternative approaches (e.g. cross-service collaboration, short-term development opportunities) may be required. Laurence Slavin
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4 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Develop and implement employee life cycle plans in line with the People First Strategy to attract and retain the workforce 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Responding to recruitment challenges is difficult in the current climate with significant financial pressures and a competitive job market. However, through succession planning, we have sought to develop career pathways and development opportunities where possible. Laurence Slavin Implement service review process including role design, use of new technology and new ways of working to add resilience, address gaps, and establish opportunities for efficiencies 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Implementation of the new Finance structure is progressing and this will continue into the next year as planned. A restructure of Corporate Asset Management is also underway, looking at a range of matters including staff development, career progression, and a trainee post. Laurence Slavin Develop and implement learning and development plans and development opportunities to improve capabilities and resilience within the workforce 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Cross-skilling for resilience and career progression has been implemented in Finance Services and Corporate Asset Management. In Business Support, given the financial pressures and a limited training budget, focus will be on maximising internal opportunities such as job shadowing, project-based development, and knowledge sharing across teams. Regular discussions with staff continue to identify and support career conversations, ensuring staff feel valued and engaged despite constrained resources. Laurence Slavin
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5 Our Council is adaptable and focused on delivering best value for our residents Q1 2025/26 Q2 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Percentage of income due from council tax received by the end of the year % 29.58% 28% 54.5% 53% Targets met in both quarters despite the financial challenges faced by our residents and changes to the Department for Work and Pensions Fairer Repayment Rate, which impact the Council Tax recoveries taken towards debts. Ryan Chalmers Current tenants' arrears as a percentage of total rent due % 9.3% 9% 8.55% 9% While the target was narrowly missed in Q1, the target was met in Q2 despite the financial challenges faced by our tenants and changes to the Department for Work and Pensions Fairer Repayment Rate. Ryan Chalmers Gross rent arrears (all tenants) as at 31 March each year as a percentage of rent due for the reporting year 9.8% 9.3% 9.13% 9.3% While the target was narrowly missed in Q1, the target was met in Q2 despite the financial challenges being faced by our tenants and changes to the Department for Work and Pensions Fairer Repayment Rate. Ryan Chalmers Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Progress the procurement of a new Financial Management System 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Following the production of a comprehensive specification for the system, we worked with Corporate Procurement to identify the procurement route and potential suppliers, arranged demonstrations, and evaluated systems. We are now at the contract stage with the preferred supplier. Arun Menon
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6 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Review ways of decreasing corporate debt through continued improvements to debt collection processes in relation to sundry, NDR, Council Tax and rent 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We reviewed the process between Housing and Corporate Debt in relation to rent collection. Housing and the Corporate Debt Team Leaders met regularly to review, discuss, and resolve any issues and meetings are planned for the rest of the year. The remaining milestones are on track to be completed by their due dates in the second half of the year. Ryan Chalmers Review ways to improve rent collection rates in conjunction with Housing and W4U 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We reviewed the debt recovery process following changes to the Government’s Fairer Repayment Policy which reduced the maximum amount that can be taken from benefits to pay for rent arrears, from 25% to 15%. Recoveries have reduced in line with the Fairer Repayment Policy however the current reduction is around 6% and we have a process in place to monitor this for rest of the year. We have also reviewed the process between Housing and Corporate Debt in relation to rent collection as outlined in the previous action. The remaining milestones are on track to be completed by their due dates in the second half of the year. Ryan Chalmers Maximise automation opportunities across the Council 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We have completed several automations in relation to a range of activities including commercial waste invoices, sickness absence notifications and school meals and clothing grants. Arun Menon
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7 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Further opportunities identified through workshops with all Chief Officer areas are progressing. Progress the disposal of key strategic sites 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We are on track to deliver agreed capital receipts on key sites. Michelle Lynn Progress the depot refurbishment programme 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Work has commenced onsite and the programme of works is underway and on track. Michelle Lynn Develop and implement plans and support services to achieve the asset related savings agreed by Council 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We have consulted with services to support them to achieve the asset related savings due in the first half of the year. Michelle Lynn Review new Global Internal Audit Standards and new CIPFA Code of Practice and identify and implement any actions to ensure compliance 31-Mar- 2026 Milestones for this action are due to commence in the second half of the year. Andi Priestman Review eligibility for Council Tax exemptions and identify potential income due to the Council 31-Mar- 2026 Completed as planned. A report has been compiled with the findings generating some good outcomes for the Council in terms of income due. Andi Priestman Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Debt is not recovered efficiently or effectively, with inherent risk of financial loss The processes deployed in collection of monies owed to the Council are inefficient and ineffective resulting in money not collected on time or having to be written off. 02-Oct- 2025 Risk remains unchanged from year-end. We effectively implement the amended Corporate Debt Policy and ensure income maximisation with improvements to the automation of collecting debt. Ryan Chalmers
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8 Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Increase in the level of rent arrears due to the level of Welfare Reform changes and general state of economy The Council sees an increase in its level of rent arrears due to lower disposable income and national changes to the national benefits regime and the ongoing economic position 02-Oct- 2025 Risk remains unchanged from year-end. The risk remains high due to the current cost of living that is linked to increasing energy costs, food costs and inflation. Financial support and advice are provided to those impacted by the cost of living with arrangements being reviewed as appropriate. Ryan Chalmers Maintaining Council Assets that are fit for purpose The risk that the Council's assets and facilities are not fully fit for purpose with consequent adverse impact on our ability to deliver efficient and effective services. Assets included in this assessment are the Council’s property portfolio. 08-Oct- 2025 The risk score remains low due to the ongoing programme of capital works. The Property Action Plan 2023-28, approved at Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development Committee in February 2023, will monitor all requirements to maintain the risk score. Michelle Lynn Our residents are engaged and empowered Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Engage with relevant community groups over the potential to lease Dalmuir Golf Course 31-Mar- 2026 Completed as planned. Lease transaction to the existing users was completed 1 July 2025. Michelle Lynn
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9 Strong financial governance and sustainable budget management (Service Objective) Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Develop and refine capital and revenue reporting processes 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We have developed the revenue Budgetary Control Report to improve transparency within the revenue report that is presented to Council and committees. This new format will be presented to Council at the end of October and relevant committees going forward. Carol Alderson Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Failure to provide a reasonable level of assurance on the Council's governance, risk management and internal control procedures Internal Audit is unable to provide a reasonable level assurance on the Council's governance, risk management and internal control arrangements. 07-Oct- 2025 The Internal Audit Annual Report and Assurance Report for 2025/26 will be presented to the June 2026 Audit Committee. Andi Priestman Failure to meet statutory deadlines for external returns (including HMRC) and financial statements Finance Services failing to meet statutory deadlines resulting in lost revenue or penalty costs 02-Oct- 2025 The current assessment remains unchanged from year-end. While the risk remains high due to staff turnover, difficulty recruiting staff with relevant experience, and issues with business continuity, there are a range of controls in place to mitigate it. Carol Alderson
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10 Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Financial projections are significantly incorrect Financial projections for both capital and revenue are significantly incorrect resulting in insufficient reserves being held. 09-Oct- 2025 Information on projections is updated on an ongoing basis. However, with the volatility of the economy, and general inflationary issues, the figures are changing regularly. The Council's Chief Financial Officer engages regularly with the Directors of Finance across all 32 Scottish Councils to sense check material assumptions in financial forecasts. Furthermore, there is regular engagement with the Council's appointed Treasury advisors in relation to projected future changes to bank interest rates. Laurence Slavin Significant financial funding reductions / limitations from Scottish Government It is expected the Council will continue to be faced with significant real term funding reductions from the national settlement. This is based on local government settlements in recent years (with the exception of 2025/2026). This coincides with a period where costs and demographic pressures are continuing to rise in relation to social care, significant inflationary increases and pay award pressures linked to inflation. Whilst there are ongoing discussions between the Scottish Government and Local 09-Oct- 2025 Assumptions on future funding levels and other material budget assumptions are updated regularly and reported to Council periodically throughout the year. It is expected that future settlement funding will be insufficient to pay for current levels of service delivery. Furthermore, it is expected future local government settlements will be a real terms reduction in local government funding, including those services delegated to the HSCP Board. Laurence Slavin
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11 Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Government on reducing the ring fencing of funding the reality is that material elements of funding remain ring fenced which significantly restricts how the Council can most effectively use the funds made available to it. Action Status In Progress and on track Completed PI Status Target narrowly missed Target met or exceeded Risk Status Alert Warning OK Long Term Trends Improving No change Declining Short Term Trends Improving No change Declining
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