Local Government Minister, Carl Sargeant met members and officials at Anglesey Council today (24 February) to outline the action he expects them to take to rectify the problems identified by the Auditor General for Wales.
While the Minister acknowledged that some progress had been made, he stressed that much more needs to be done and that, if necessary, he would not hesitate to take further action if improvement is not achieved quickly.
Carl Sargeant said
“The council must focus on the real needs of this island and its citizens. Debate too often concentrates on personal and parochial conflicts and rivalries. This is a betrayal of Anglesey’s citizens and communities, who deserve action and leadership, not petty bickering.
“Putting that right involves several things. Firstly, misbehaviour needs to be addressed properly and anyone who obstructs recovery must be dealt with.
“I also want to see the standards committee overhauled as soon as possible with a remit to raise standards proactively and to meet more frequently. In addition, councillors must serve as members of the committee so that they can themselves contribute to maintaining standards. This already happens everywhere else in Wales.
“The overview and scrutiny systems also need serious re-examination. Your three committees met on fewer than twenty occasions in total last year, which is by some margin the lowest figure in Wales, and they concentrate too much on internal issues rather than the services you provide.
“I have asked the Recovery Board to monitor developments closely over the next few months. I expect to see clear and rapid progress towards their recommendations – otherwise I may be forced to direct you to take action.
“I do not want to be involved in running a council that should be running itself. I do not want to give you more stringent and detailed directions but be in no doubt that I can and, if necessary, I will.
“I could, for instance, establish and dissolve committees, make internal and external appointments, amend your constitution, your allowances or your arrangements for delegated powers. I could even take functions off you altogether.
“You know better than me that Anglesey faces some pressing problems. You can transform this organisation, and make it better able to address the needs of this island and its citizens. You have my full support and that of my Recovery Board in doing this.
“I do not want to contemplate the consequences of failure and I doubt you would want to either. Failure to complete the tasks required will drive me to consider the future of the Council as an autonomous body. Do not force me to go there.”
