ON this day in 2025, Denbighshire County Council made history by becoming the first local authority in Wales to undergo a new performance assessment.
This significant assessment was part of a broader initiative led by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and was designed to comply with the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.
The evaluation was conducted by a panel that included an independent chair, two senior peers from other Welsh local authorities, and two peers from the broader public, private, and voluntary sectors.
The assessment took place in September 2024, and a 'positive report' was issued before Christmas.
Denbighshire County Council announced plans to review this report at committee meetings scheduled for January and February before determining an action plan to address the recommendations.
Read more:
Rhyl: Queen's Market businesses handed first food hygiene ratings since opening
Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, Denbighshire’s lead member for finance, performance, and strategic assets, expressed gratitude for the assessment panel's thoroughness, stating: "In the first instance, I’d like to thank the assessment panel for their thoroughness throughout and for making the whole process very straightforward and useful for all involved."
She added: "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."
Councillor Ellis emphasised that an action plan had been drawn up based on the recommendations and noted that many initiatives had already been in progress, particularly in prioritising transformation work.
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, WLGA spokesperson for data, digital, and improvement, commended Denbighshire for its proactive approach, saying: "We commend Denbighshire County Council for being the first to undertake a Panel Performance Assessment in Wales."
He also highlighted the importance of the WLGA’s commitment to supporting councils in their continuous improvement efforts.
This Panel Performance Assessment is a statutory requirement intended to help councils evaluate and enhance their operations.
This article was originally published in the Rhyl Journal on January 13, 2025.
Share