The Isle of Anglesey County Council yesterday backed the appointment of a new interim managing director.
Mr David Bowles, who will also act as the Authority’s head of paid services, takes up his new duties later this month. He has already undertaken an initial fact-finding period in Llangefni during August and September.
Following a meeting of the Full Council, Council Leader Councillor Clive McGregor welcomed the new appointment. He said, “With David Bowles in post, the real work of turning this Authority around will begin in earnest.
“Our staff continue to provide the people of Anglesey with good services, of that there is no doubt. The Auditor General’s corporate governance report has confirmed, however, that we do face a numerous challenges in terms of how the Authority is run.
“We have already taken steps to remedy some of his criticisms, but we clearly still have a great deal of hard work in front of us. David has the background and experience needed in local government to help us meet these challenges and ensure that we are on the road to recovery in terms of corporate governance.”
The County Council also agreed that Mr Bowles will undertake the statutory responsibilities associated with the role of head of paid services.
The exact cost of Mr Bowles’ contract will depend on the length of time needed to complete his work. The contract is expected to be within the budget set aside for the current financial year.
If the contract runs to the initial term of 12 months, an additional £40,000 would be required in the next financial year.
In July, the Auditor General for Wales, Jeremy Colman, published a report identifying serious failings in the corporate governance of the Isle of Anglesey County Council, and recommended that the Welsh Assembly Government intervene to address them.
The Assembly’s Local Government Minister Dr Brian Gibbons subsequently nominated David Bowles as his interim managing director to run the Authority.
A recovery board, chaired by Professor Elan Closs Stephens CBE, has also been established to oversee the County Council’s recovery plan and has already begun its work.
