Strong Leadership and Honest Recovery: One Year On from FISP

“It is clear from the significance and volume of work detailed in this report that the council has continued to take significant action, at pace, over the last year, to deliver savings and transform how services are designed and delivered — making them more efficient and supporting the council on a pathway to sustainability. This includes putting historical problems right, correcting budget irregularities, improving governance, and exploring every opportunity to create savings and generate income, even when it has meant taking tough decisions. Tracking performance shows overall service delivery remains strong despite ongoing financial and capacity pressures.” 

The Financial Improvement and Sustainability Plan (FISP), adopted in late 2024, set out a disciplined and transparent route to stabilising the council. Its five pillars — stronger governance, service transformation, sensible income generation, a more rigorous capital strategy, and better use of assets — now guide every major decision.

A year on from adopting FISP, the latest report shows steady, credible progress. We’re very clear with residents: there is still a long road ahead. But there are real signs that the council is being put back on solid ground.

📊 Progress in Action: Before & After

The report highlights that:

• The council has put historical problems right, correcting budget irregularities and strengthening governance.
• Tough decisions on services and assets have been made, creating savings and opening opportunities for income generation.
• Service performance remains strong, showing sustained delivery despite ongoing financial and capacity pressures.
• Efficiency gains are helping redesign services, making them more effective for residents and putting RBWM on a pathway to sustainability.

To read the full FISP report and see the detailed progress, click here.