Denbighshire is 'well-run and effective' says independent report

Denbighshire County Council is well run, exercises its functions effectively and acknowledges the challenges it has recently faced.

That's the positive verdict of the Panel Performance Assessment - a snapshot of how the authority is being run - approved by its Cabinet yesterday (Tuesday). 

The assessment, the first to be carried out in Wales, was held last September when a panel of independent experts evaluated key areas of the council’s performance.

 

It is a Welsh Government requirement that this evaluation is carried out every five years.

The panel interviewed Cabinet members, councillors, staff and a range of partners and in its findings concluded that overall, given the current context of significant demand and financial pressures, Denbighshire is a well-run council with key areas of strengths and innovation.

The report concluded that overall it exercises its functions effectively and also acknowledges the challenges it has recently faced. 

It also said the council has clear process in place to manage resources economically and efficiently and has navigated a decade of local government austerity well while protecting front line services where possible.

 

It found there are positive working relationships between staff and members and recognition among staff of the council’s ethos.  

Staff also demonstrated a "strong sense of pride in working for the authority" and showed a real commitment to making a difference to communities and a willingness to support staff from other council service areas when needed.

 

The panel noted areas of good practice and innovation, including a high degree of integration across social services and education and good engagement with staff and members and the Member Area Groups whereby members and officers meet in designated wards across the county to discuss residents’ local priorities and local impact issues.

Denbighshire’s Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, said: “The positive report is a reflection of staff’s efforts and commitment to the people of Denbighshire.

 

“As a council we welcomed the opportunity to participate and we have appreciated being given the chance to test ideas with impartial expert peers who can provide alternative perspectives. Having drawn up an action plan based on the recommendations, the Council will now work towards achieving these.”

 

Cabinet has recommended the report to council for approval to take forward action on key areas for improvement identified. 

* The full report can be found on the following link https://tinyurl.com/mr46f9k2