However, North Lanarkshire Council has been actively engaged in several significant initiatives and statements that might align with your interests. Here are some key areas where the council has made recent public statements:
1. Annual Governance Statement 2023/24
North Lanarkshire Council has released its Annual Governance Statement for the fiscal year 2023/24. This document outlines the council’s governance arrangements, internal controls, and compliance with the principles of good governance as defined by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). The statement emphasizes the council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in its operations.
2. Reaffirmation of Assurance to Tenants
In October 2024, North Lanarkshire Council reaffirmed its commitment to its tenants by signing the Scottish Housing Regulator’s Assurance Statement.
This statement ensures that the council is responsible and accountable for delivering positive outcomes and services for tenants, particularly in areas such as housing, homelessness, safety, and equality. The council complies with all regulatory requirements and achieves the necessary standards in these areas.
3. Tackling Poverty Strategy
The council has developed the ‘Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy (2023-2026)’, which aims to address the enduring effects of poverty on communities.
The strategy focuses on increasing income through employment, maximizing social security benefits, reducing the cost of living, and providing holistic support to families. In the past three years, the Tackling Poverty Team, in partnership with other council services, has generated over £99 million in additional benefit income for residents.
4. Closure of Community Facilities
In response to budget constraints, North Lanarkshire Council announced the closure of 39 community facilities, including libraries and sports centers. This decision has raised concerns among residents, leading to petitions and calls for reconsideration. The council has acknowledged these concerns and is exploring alternative solutions to preserve essential community services.
