In March this year, Havant Borough Council took part in a Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review run by the Local Government Association (LGA).
Following on from the first Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) visit in June 2025, the council produced an action plan to take forward recommendations from the CPC report. Senior leaders from across the local government sector conducted a second scheduled visit of the borough in March with the aim of reviewing the council's progress regarding our priorities, leadership, governance and finances.
During their two-day visit, the team gathered information and views from officers and Councillors.
Focusing on five main elements, the progress review looked at:
- Leadership and governance
- Financial planning and management
- Strategic commissioning programme
- Local Plan and the Planning function
- Local Government Reorganisation
The initial CPC highlighted the significant change the council has experienced in recent years. The subsequent progress review recognised that this theme of change has continued, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive, Local Government Reorganisation moving forward, changes in the political make-up of the council, and a challenging and changing financial context.
The peer team were pleased to see the seriousness with which the organisation had taken the report and the good progress that has been made in relation to the recommendations that were put forward. The team noted the following:
- The new Senior Leadership Team is more collegiate and strategic, with a conducive atmosphere that enables robust discussion and constructive challenge.
- Work has been taking place to strengthen key corporate processes and systems.
- Work to identify savings and efficiencies commenced in summer last year, with proposals considered by a cross-party elected member working group.
- £7 million of the previously unallocated £9 million has been dedicated, including £4.5 million on regeneration projects, £1.5 million to support waste vehicle replacement and £1 million to support LGR processes.
Councillor Gillian Harris, Leader of Havant Borough Council, said: “We were pleased that the peer team recognised the progress we have made as a council since our first review. We also value the recommendations that they put forward."
“I want to thank the LGA and peer team who took the time to come and visit us again and provide us with constructive feedback that we will focus on to help us improve our services.
"I also want to thank our previous Leader, Councillor Phil Munday, who successfully lead us Councillors through the peer review process."
The full report and our action plan can be found on our website.