The Council welcomes a positive panel performance assessment

In September 2024, an assessment was carried out when independent experts evaluated key areas of the Council’s performance.

Denbighshire was the first Council in Wales to undergo the assessment by a Panel led by an independent chair, two senior peers from the Welsh Local Authorities and two peers from the wider public, private, and voluntary sector.

The Panel conducted interviews with Cabinet Members, Councillors, staff and a range of partners and in its findings the report 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, the Authority is well run and 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 Council staff from other service areas when needed. The Panel noted areas of good practice and innovation, including a high degree of integration across social services and education; 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.

In February, Cabinet and Council endorsed the report. The final Panel Performance Assessment report, our response statements and Action Plan responding to those recommendations, can be found on our website >>> www.denbighshire.gov.uk/performance.