In 2026, Weston-super-Mare Town Council took part in its first Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge.

 We have now received the final report — and there is a great deal for everyone across the Council to be proud of.

The independent Peer Team spent time with our staff, volunteers, councillors, partners and stakeholders, looking at how we work, what we have achieved and where we can continue to develop.

Their report recognises the significant transformation that has taken place in recent years and describes an organisation with a positive culture, committed and enthusiastic people, strong partnership working and a growing sense of “one team”. It also recognises the Council’s increasing role in Weston, our ability to deliver and our careful approach to taking on new services through devolution.

Importantly, the recommendations are about building on strong foundations and continuing our development, rather than addressing fundamental weaknesses.

There is, of course, more to do. Our next steps include continuing to strengthen financial resilience, delegation and decision-making, organisational learning, our long-term strategy, partnerships and how we demonstrate the difference our services make. Many of these areas are already underway and will now form part of our Peer Challenge Action Plan.

The Corporate Peer Challenge Report and Council Improvement Action can be viewed below.