Agenda item

To present the report of the Chief Executive.

The report of the Chief Executive incorporating the Panel Performance Assessment report was presented for the committee’s consideration. The peer assessment required by the Local Government and Elections Wales Act 2021, took place in November 2025, was facilitated by the Welsh Local Government Association and was conducted by a panel of four. It looked at how effectively the council exercises its functions, uses resources and governs itself.

The Chief Executive presented the report highlighting that the panel performance assessment found the Council is exercising its functions in line with the performance duties set out in the Local Government and Elections Act 2021, despite financial and workforce pressures. The assessment confirmed that the Council demonstrates sound governance, constructive member-officer relationships and a clear improvement journey since 2018. The assessment also notes partnership working, particularly with the voluntary sector, as a particular strength of the Council along with a committed and engaged workforce. The Panel concludes that Anglesey is in a strong position to build on its progress and respond effectively to the challenges ahead.

The Chief Executive stated that the independent panel assessment is a source of pride and provides assurance that the Council is on the right track. The Council’s draft response, set out in section 4 aligns with WLGA expectations and outlines actions to address the eight recommendations, which will be embedded into and monitored through the Annual Delivery Document and Service Delivery Plans. Further information will be added following presentation of the assessment to the Executive and the work will be integrated into the Council’s wider programme during the period leading up to the local government election in May 2027. It will then feed into and be mainstreamed within the new Council Plan driving improvement over the next five years.

The committee raised the following matters on the Panel Performance Assessment report -

·      The committee sought an update on recommendation 4 which advises the Council to accelerate its capacity and resilience in delivering projects, noting that the target completion date is July 2026.

The Chief Executive confirmed that a review of governance arrangements is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.

·      The committee noted the Panel’s recommendation that the Council develop an aspirational economic strategy to respond to major opportunities such as Wylfa SMR. The committee asked whether the Council has the specialist technical capacity and dedicated resources to shape such a strategy internally, given the complexity of the nuclear industry.

The Chief Executive clarified the Council’s role as the host community and local planning authority for Wylfa SMR, which is driven by the statutory planning process and does not extend to safety or technical matters. He explained that although the Council does not have dedicated internal capacity, the Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) with the developer – which is about to be signed off - provides a mechanism for resourcing the work. Through this agreement, the developer funds the Council’s handling of the application, protecting core service delivery while enabling the Council to increase capacity and capability without putting the cost onto ratepayers. A budget has been allocated for 2026/27, and the Council will submit work packages to release this funding and begin building capacity. As the project progresses, the scale of the PPA is likely to increase.

·      The committee asked for clarification of the Council’s response to the recommendation that it considers establishing a dedicated Economy Scrutiny Panel.

The Chief Executive explained that Scrutiny is already operating at the limits of its capacity in administering two committees and three panels. Establishing an additional panel would require scaling back activity elsewhere or securing extra capacity at additional cost. He noted that a wider programme is reviewing Scrutiny, and the recommendation will be considered as part of that work. Members’ input will be sought to inform a report setting out proposals for the Scrutiny arrangements that the new Council will determine after the election in May 2027.

·      The committee sought assurance on how addressing the actions in the work plan would sit with day-to-day operational activities.

The Chief Executive explained that there is a commitment to prioritise the actions, several of which were already under consideration. By integrating them into strategic planning rather than treating them as standalone projects, they will become part of the Council’s operating framework and will drive ongoing improvement. He noted that some actions represent substantial pieces of work and will require monitoring to ensure they do not lead to slippage elsewhere. A member of the Leadership Team will support each action  with updates provided to one of the Council’s corporate boards, to the Executive informally and to the relevant portfolio holders. The Council will seek external input where necessary e.g. in relation to developing an economic strategy and in relation to  modernisation which is a broad and complex area requiring careful consideration.

·      The committee asked whether weaknesses were considered to exist in the Council’s internal and external communication processes noting that this area had been highlighted in the assessment.

The Chief Executive clarified that the assessment found that the Council’s communication processes could be strengthened, particularly in being more proactive in communicating its achievements, challenges and future ambitions, and adopting a more varied approach including increased face to face engagement and greater use of social media. The Council has a small communications team undertaking a significant volume of work. Recent improvements include the introduction of the internal “story of the day”  for staff and the development of a draft communications strategy. The Council will also consider how best to use social media channels while ensuring that communication reaches all residents.

Having reviewed the panel performance assessment report, the committee welcomed the report for its positivity and areas of praise. Members noted that they looked forward to receiving updates on progress. The Chief Executive confirmed that he would be happy to report back, in line with the committee’s work programme and timetable, on progress against the work plan either in its entirety or on individual elements.

It was resolved to note the Panel Performance Assessment Report and to endorse the Council’s action plan in response.