A recent peer review found Winchester City Council to be a "well-respected and high-performing" organisation.

The Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC), which reviews councils across the nation, scrutinised Winchester City Council in July.

The CPC aims to provide robust and credible challenge to support councils.

The peer team, consisting of councillors and officers from various councils, spent two and a half days with the city council, examining its functioning and identifying areas for improvement.

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The review covered five key areas: local priorities and outcomes, governance and culture, financial planning and management and more.

The team analysed data, interviewed staff and councillors and spoke to key partners.

Its feedback report stated: "The city council was a well-respected and high-performing council, delivering for residents and partners.

"The peer team heard positive feedback regarding the council’s performance and was satisfied that the city council is well-managed and benefits from a leader and chief executive who are respected by staff, members, and external stakeholders."

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The report also praised the council's prudent financial management, its climate change initiatives and its efforts to engage residents in important decisions.

City council leader, Cllr Martin Tod, said: "It's been very helpful to have people from other councils and from the Local Government Association come in and review what we're doing.

"It's a really positive and helpful process and a very encouraging report.

"We are always looking for ways to improve how we serve our area's residents and communities, so the recommendations are welcome.

"We'll be acting on them and look forward to welcoming the team back next year to review our progress."

The report included nine recommendations to help the council tackle future challenges, realise efficiencies and improve services.

The city council has addressed each of these in a high-level action plan.

This peer review is part of a broader initiative to ensure councils across the country are operating effectively and efficiently.

The results of the review serve as a valuable tool for Winchester City Council in its efforts to continually improve service delivery and meet the needs of its residents.