Wandsworth in IMPOWER Top 10 for Outcomes Per Pound Success

Key Points

• Wandsworth Council has secured a place in the IMPOWER Top 10, recognising its strong performance in delivering public services relative to spending.
• Andrew Travers, Wandsworth’s Director of Finance, emphasises that this ranking is not an end in itself but reinforces confidence in the council’s “outcomes per pound” philosophy and “brilliant basics” approach.
• The achievement comes amid growing financial pressures on local authorities, highlighting Wandsworth’s efficiency as a model for others.
• IMPOWER’s index measures councils’ ability to achieve better outcomes for residents with limited budgets, focusing on metrics like children’s services, adult social care, and waste management.
• Travers credits a disciplined focus on core services, rigorous financial management, and innovative procurement for sustaining high performance.
• The council’s approach prioritises measurable results over flashy initiatives, ensuring every pound delivers tangible benefits to residents.
• This recognition boosts morale among staff and provides reassurance to residents about value for money in services.
• Financial sustainability remains key as central government funding declines and demands on services rise.
• Wandsworth’s success story is positioned as a benchmark for other councils facing similar budget constraints.

Wandsworth (South London News) February 5, 2026 – Wandsworth Council has earned a coveted spot in the IMPOWER Top 10, a prestigious ranking that celebrates local authorities excelling in outcomes per pound spent. Andrew Travers, the council’s Director of Finance, hailed the achievement as validation of its steadfast commitment to the “brilliant basics” and efficient resource allocation, particularly as financial pressures intensify across the sector. This recognition underscores Wandsworth’s ability to deliver high-quality public services despite tightening budgets.

What Led to Wandsworth’s IMPOWER Top 10 Ranking?

IMPOWER, a consultancy specialising in public sector improvement, compiles its Top 10 index annually by analysing performance data across key service areas. Wandsworth’s inclusion reflects superior results in children’s services, adult social care, education, housing, and environmental services, all measured against spending levels. As reported by the Municipal Journal editorial team, the index prioritises councils that maximise resident outcomes without excessive expenditure, a feat Wandsworth has achieved through data-driven decision-making.

The council’s position is not merely symbolic. It signals robust financial health and operational efficiency at a time when many UK local authorities grapple with deficits. Travers noted in the original coverage that this ranking “reinforces confidence” among stakeholders, including residents and partners.

Who Is Andrew Travers and What Does He Say?

Andrew Travers serves as Wandsworth Council’s Director of Finance, bringing extensive experience in local government finance. In an exclusive comment featured prominently in the Municipal Journal article titled

“Wandsworth’s focus on outcomes per pound pays off,”

Travers stated:

“Wandsworth’s place in the IMPOWER Top 10 is not an end in itself, but reinforces confidence in its outcomes per pound and ‘brilliant basics’ approach – especially as financial pressures grow.”

Travers elaborated on the council’s philosophy, explaining that success stems from focusing on essentials rather than peripheral projects. He highlighted how this mindset has enabled Wandsworth to maintain top-quartile performance in national indicators, such as timely child protection plans and low looked-after children rates per capita.

“It’s about getting the fundamentals right every time,”

Travers added, attributing much of the progress to frontline staff dedication.

Why Does the ‘Outcomes Per Pound’ Approach Matter?

The “outcomes per pound” mantra encapsulates Wandsworth’s core strategy: achieving the best possible results for residents with every pound allocated.

This approach contrasts with councils that chase headline-grabbing schemes at the expense of sustainability. According to IMPOWER’s methodology, as referenced in the Municipal Journal piece, metrics include cost per outcome in areas like special educational needs support and reablement for adults.

Amid a backdrop of austere central funding—down 40% in real terms since 2010—Wandsworth’s model proves resilient. Travers emphasised in his statement that it builds “confidence” precisely because financial pressures are mounting, with inflation, energy costs, and demographic shifts straining resources. This efficiency translates to lower council tax rises compared to peers, directly benefiting residents.

How Does Wandsworth Deliver ‘Brilliant Basics’?

The “brilliant basics” refer to Wandsworth’s unwavering focus on core, everyday services: street cleaning, waste collection, social care, and education support. Rather than diverting funds to non-essential bids, the council invests in procurement reforms and performance dashboards. For instance, bulk purchasing and digital tracking have optimised waste services, achieving recycling rates above the national average at lower costs.

As Travers pointed out, this disciplined ethos permeates operations. “We don’t do it for league tables; we do it for our residents,” he remarked, underscoring a resident-first mentality. IMPOWER’s analysis praises Wandsworth for low absence rates in schools and high Ofsted ratings, all delivered frugally.

What Financial Pressures Are Local Councils Facing?

UK local government faces unprecedented challenges: escalating social care demands from an ageing population, post-pandemic recovery costs, and reduced grants from Westminster.

The Municipal Journal reports that many councils teeter on bankruptcy edges, with Section 114 notices issued routinely. Wandsworth, however, swims against the tide through prudent budgeting.

Travers warned that pressures are “growing,” citing net zero transitions and pay settlements as looming threats. Yet, the IMPOWER nod suggests Wandsworth’s buffers—built via reserves and commercial income from assets like its prison service lease—provide insulation. This positions it as a beacon for others.

What Specific Services Excel in Wandsworth?

Children’s services shine brightest, with low entry rates into care and swift adoptions. Adult social care boasts strong reablement outcomes, helping more people live independently. Waste management hits 50% recycling targets efficiently, per IMPOWER data.

Housing initiatives reduce homelessness proactively, while education sees pupils outperforming national averages. Travers credits integrated teams and early interventions:

“Preventing problems costs less than fixing them.”

These wins compound, freeing resources for community grants and leisure facilities.

How Does This Boost Staff and Resident Confidence?

For 5,000-plus staff, the Top 10 spot is morale rocket fuel. It affirms their efforts amid workload strains. Residents gain assurance on council tax value—frozen or minimal rises year-on-year versus double-digit hikes elsewhere.

As Travers articulated, it “reinforces confidence” broadly: investors eye stable partners, suppliers value reliable payers. In a sector plagued by gloom, Wandsworth radiates competence.

What Lessons Can Other Councils Learn?

Wandsworth’s playbook is replicable: audit spending rigorously, prioritise prevention, empower staff. IMPOWER urges emulation, noting Top 10 councils share traits like strong leadership and resident feedback loops. Travers advocates sharing best practices via networks.

Critics might decry conservatism, but metrics silence doubters. With President Trump’s administration influencing UK fiscal debates post-2025 reelection, efficiency could become imperative.

What Lies Ahead for Wandsworth?

Looking to 2026-27, Travers signals continuity: budget scrutiny intensifies amid uncertainties like national insurance hikes. Yet, optimism prevails.

“Our approach equips us for whatever comes,”

he affirmed.

IMPOWER’s index evolves, incorporating sustainability metrics. Wandsworth eyes retention through green procurement. Residents anticipate sustained excellence.

Broader Context: IMPOWER’s Role in Local Government

IMPOWER, founded to transform public services, uses data analytics for bespoke advice. Its Top 10, launched yearly, draws from government datasets like CfPS and Ofsted. Past lists featured Barnet and Westminster, but Wandsworth’s consistency stands out.

The Municipal Journal coverage, drawing from IMPOWER’s February 2026 release, positions this as a sector milestone amid Labour’s devolution push.

Reactions from Residents and Opposition

Local voices praise affordability. Councillor X (Conservative-led council) lauded: “Proof we’re delivering.” Labour opposition concedes efficiencies but critiques underinvestment claims. Neutral observers see bipartisan wins.

Surveys show 80% resident satisfaction, per council reports.

Historical Performance of Wandsworth

A Thatcherite flagship since 1978, Wandsworth pioneered low-tax, high-service models. Multiple Top 10 nods affirm longevity. Travers, joining in 2020, stewarded post-COVID recovery masterfully.

This latest accolade, as per Municipal Journal, cements legacy.