Wrexham Council is pleased to share the findings of its first-ever Panel Performance Assessment (PPA) – highlighting both strengths and opportunities for improvement.
All 22 councils in Wales are now required to undergo PPA under the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act.
The independent reviews are overseen by senior figures and experts from other local authorities, as well as the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA).
The aim is to help councils understand how well they’re performing, with an emphasis on delivering services effectively, using resources wisely, and maintaining strong governance.
Note that PPA is separate to other local government review processes, such as those undertaken by Audit Wales.
Wrexham’s assessment, which took place in April, involved extensive engagement with councillors, officers and stakeholders, and the council is grateful to everyone who took part in workshops and interviews.
The council has now received the final report, which highlights a number of strengths across the organisation, as well as opportunities for further improvement. Key findings include:
Effective delivery of core functions
Despite some ongoing local challenges, the panel found no significant concerns regarding the council’s ability to deliver its main services.
Efficient use of resources
The council is managing its resources effectively in the face of financial and demographic pressures, but the panel encouraged further clarity and alignment between its transformation (modernisation) programme and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP).
Strong governance foundations
The expected governance arrangements are in place, but areas for improvement include strengthening the role of councillors and scrutiny committees, and continuing to improve councillor-officer relationships.
The report also focused on two key areas:
Organisational culture and leadership
The councils needs to continue embedding its values and behaviours across the organisation, and more work is needed to clarify roles and responsibilities – especially at senior levels.
Partnership working to manage demand
Wrexham’s collaborative approach to managing demand-led pressures is working well and delivering positive outcomes for local people.
The report also includes eight recommendations. The council has been developing a response to these recommendations, to explain how it will take them forward.
This response will be considered by the Governance & Audit Committee on September 18, with the final version to be agreed by Full Council in December.
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said: “This assessment marks an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to transparency, improvement and delivering the best possible outcomes for the people of Wrexham.
“We welcome the findings and will use them to shape our future, so we can continue to deliver quality services for local communities.”
