An audit has revealed that Wrexham County Borough Council has made ‘insufficient progress’ in solving ‘critical governance issues’.
A review by the Auditor General for Wales found that members of the local authority demonstrated ‘persistent low engagement in essential training’, as well as inadequate personal development.
According to the report, behavioural issues and ‘fractured relationships’ were observed at senior level, jeopardising the council’s ‘decision making, governance and reputation’.
The Auditor also stated that the council had not taken on board the recommendations provided in last year’s report and exhibited ‘limited awareness of expected roles and responsibilities’.
To help achieve the ‘desired values and behaviour’, the report recommended boosting member knowledge and skills and improving relationships between officers and members, while also ensuring roles and responsibilities resources remain accessible and up to date.
Auditor General Adrian Crompton said: ‘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.’
