LOW LEVELS of member engagement in training and personal development, and instances of poor behaviour and fractured relationships at the senior level are all factors that endanger the Council’s decision-making, governance, and reputation.
Consistent demonstration of positive values and behaviours is essential for good governance. And without good governance, the Council cannot be assured that it is achieving value for money for the people of Wrexham.
This is Audit Wales’ second review of values and behaviours in Wrexham since 2023. Their previous audit, which focused on the Planning Service, found that ongoing delays in adopting key strategic documents have created significant risks for the Council and relationships between some members and officers were fractured. Audit Wales found that the Planning Service was hindered in fulfilling its role as a key enabler across the Council.
This follow-up review, which examined values and behaviours at senior level across the Council, found that the Council has not fully addressed Audit Wales’ previous recommendations. Audit Wales continues to have concerns about fractured relations between some members and officers. The Council demonstrates limited awareness of expected roles and responsibilities.
Audit Wales has made three further recommendations in addition to the recommendations made in 2024. These new recommendations are primarily aimed at fostering a more consistent demonstration of the desired values and behaviours. They are targeted at some basic building blocks of the Council’s governance framework:
- To improve relations between members and officers
- To enhance member knowledge and skills
- To ensure proper governance
Auditor General, Adrian Crompton said: “Councillors and officers are reliant on one another, and relationships founded on mutual respect are essential for good governance.
“The greatest concerns for the effective performance of the Council are the ongoing strained relationships and distrust between some members and senior officers.
“Unless addressed urgently and genuinely, this will undermine the positive work of the wider Council and its workforce.
“It is imperative that the Council takes immediate and decisive action to address these fundamental matters of good governance and culture.”
