Dumfries and Galloway Council has made progress, but improvements need to continue says the Accounts Commission.

A report published today contrasts with a previous report from 2009 which identified serious weaknesses in leadership, management and services.

The Accounts Commission said it now has a clear strategic direction, effective leadership and better systems for planning, monitoring and continuous improvement.

Ronnie Hinds, deputy chair of the commission, said: "The council has made significant improvements over the last nine years. But it faces hard choices about how it provides services in the future as budgets tighten. Meeting this challenge will require clear officer and political leadership and strong corporate management of its services and its transformation programme.”

The report outlines that the council has made £86 million of savings since 2010 and it is estimated that it will have to make a further £79m of savings by 2022.

The report notes that the council has taken steps to learn lessons from the DG One leisure centre failure, but it is currently facing more capital project problems with the North West Community Campus in Dumfries.

Council leader Elaine Murray said: "The report is a welcome reminder that we are on the right track but there are elements that need improvement and we will work together on these to maintain our progress and continue to deliver on all our priorities."