A local government watchdog has said that Argyll and Bute Council is now making progress following criticism about a lack of leadership earlier this year.
But the Accounts Commission said while there was more stability at the local authority, the situation remained “fragile”.
The commission previously criticised relationships between elected members and management at the council, stating that political instability had resulted in a lack of “collective strategic leadership” by councillors.
The Accounts Commission will now consider a follow-up report about the council at a meeting in Edinburgh tomorrow.
The report states: “The council has responded constructively to the Accounts Commission findings and is making progress on improvement work.”
However it adds: “It is too early to judge the effectiveness of many of its actions.”
It continues: “The leadership and political dynamics of the council are more stable but the situation remains fragile.”
Council leader Dick Walsh said yesterday: “No council is more committed to delivering effective public services than Argyll and Bute Council. This report confirms the significant progress that we have made in just six months – acknowledged to be a relatively short timescale.
“It also confirms the positive approach that we have taken in terms of leadership. The majority of councillors, including members of the opposition, have embraced this.
“We have an action plan in place that will ensure ongoing improvement and, as the report points out, our response has been constructive and robust. We have a strong and stable administration in place and we are preparing for the financial challenges that lie ahead.”
SNP councillor James Robb said: “The council leader commands a huge and obedient majority so political stability is assured. It is disappointing that the council has made so little progress in the eyes of Audit Scotland despite the damage done to accountability, scrutiny and the inclusion of elected members by the new political management arrangements.
“Delegating the difficult budget decisions to council officers makes the council a bit of a laughing stock amongst other councils.”