WIREDGOV

Wrexham County Borough Council’s vision and ambition are helping to deliver improved outcomes for citizens but some out-dated  arrangements may limit the speed of progress.

This is according to a corporate assessment report published by the Auditor General yesterday.

Yesterday’s report concludes that the Councils inclusive leadership has helped establish a clear vision and strategic direction that are effectively supporting improvement. The Councils vision is to be a strong community leader that supports and enables the county borough and its people to fulfil their potential and prosper. To realise this the Council Plan for 2015-17 identifies three inter-connected strategic themes and a corporate theme, to focus its resources and drive improvement. The strategic themes focus on creating a vibrant, diverse and inclusive economy; raising aspirations, creating confidence and promoting opportunity; and investing in attractive, safe and inclusive communities.

The report found that this vision reflects a clear commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality, efficient and effective services. The Council listens and responds to issues raised by stakeholders and their needs and aspirations influence the Council’s vision and its strategic planning. However, whilst governance and accountability arrangements are generally strong, there is scope for better coordination between the Executive Board and scrutiny and the arrangements to manage the Council’s resources are not consistently robust.

The Council has an established and effective approach to partnership working and in collaboration with its partners continues to improve performance and outcomes across most of its priority areas.  

To help support improvement the Auditor General makes five formal proposals for improvement, which include:

• Coordinating forward work programmes more effectively so that scrutiny and Executive Board meetings work seamlessly together;
• Strengthen asset performance management arrangements and support the arrangements with a fit-for-purpose database; and
• Develop and implement an ICT strategy that covers current and medium-term business needs and is clearly aligned to the Council’s strategic priorities.

Auditor General for Wales, Huw Vaughan Thomas said:

“Wrexham Council has developed a clear vision for how it will operate in the future and crucially is listening to and involving citizens in its decision making. There has been clear progress but the Council must look to update some of its more out-dated ways of working if it is to continue the positive momentum achieved to date.” 

Related publications: 

Wrexham County Borough Council - Corporate Assessment Report 2015