The first of a series of Value for Money reviews underway this term has been delivered by Auckland Council.
Ten Value for Money reviews in the last three years, and a series of new reviews now underway, continue to assess the value being delivered to residents and ratepayers.
This week’s first Value for Money Committee, chaired by Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, saw the council’s legal services division under the microscope.
Deputy Mayor Simpson says the programme continues to demonstrate its worth.
“Since 2017, our Value for Money programme has completed 24 service reviews that assess if the way our services are delivered is the best way – and if changes could improve efficiency and value to ratepayers,” says Deputy Mayor Simpson.
“The most recent review, our legal services division, has reinforced that our legal team is delivering real value for money and provides a trusted service. The good news is, our in-house delivery costs one-third what external legal advice would – showing that we’re getting excellent financial value.
“It is mainly an in-house team with some support by external providers who deliver specific expertise and allow the council to right-size its internal team.
“The review did find there are opportunities to better utilise technology and other efficiencies in our legal team, which will now be further explored.”
Head of the Value for Money programme, Rachel O’Brien, said the reviews are designed to make sure council services stay relevant and effective to meet the evolving needs of the community.
“Our programme of reviews looks closely at how each service works, what it delivers, and where improvements could be made,” said Rachel.
“These independent reviews provide reassurance to the council and our ratepayers that we are continually assessing performance and are focused on improvement.”
Under Section 17A of the Local Government Act, councils must regularly assess the most effective way to deliver services.
While the government is considering changes to the legislation and requirements around these reviews, Auckland Council will continue its focus on value for money and ensuring services deliver for Auckland.
The Value for Money Committee will consider the pipeline of reviews planned for the term at its next meeting in February 2026.
