The latest report by local government watchdog the Wales Audit Office confirms that Gwynedd Council is continuing to improve.
In his report, the Auditor General for Wales states that Gwynedd Council’s performance over the past year “is heartening” and Huw Jones who presented the report to the Council on behalf of the Wales Audit Office stated that Gwynedd’s performance would be the equivalent to an overall score of seven out of ten.
In particular, the Auditor General notes:
- that Gwynedd Council continues to address the need for change
- delivers strong and effective financial leadership
- has made progress in addressing service areas identified as being in need of improvement
Huw Jones from the Wales Audit Office also said that Councillors and officers displayed a firm and positive attitude to delivering change and urged the Council to continue to progress along the clear improvement path that has been agreed.
Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said:
“This report confirms that Gwynedd Council is well-run and that Councillors and officers have worked together to put in place solid foundations upon which to continue to modernise and improve our local services over the coming three years.
“The fact that the Auditor General concludes that Gwynedd delivers strong and effective financial leadership is particularly pleasing. This proves that the decision we took some years back to implement a council-wide savings strategy to deliver maximum value for money and keep service cuts to a minimum is paying off.
“This strategic approach will hold us in good stead so that we can continue with our ambition of delivering modern and suitable services for Gwynedd’s residents despite the reduction in funding we receive.”
Gwynedd Council Chief Executive, Harry Thomas added:
“This positive independent report is the result of real team work between Councillors and staff on all levels and our ambition to continue to deliver radical changes and service improvements regardless of the need to deliver millions of pounds of savings every year.
“In these reports it is customary for the Auditor General to note statutory recommendations, the fact that on this occasion he has chosen not to highlight any such areas for Gwynedd is particularly pleasing.”
