Issue - meetings

They agreed on the timetable for holding a Panel Performance Assessment during the autumn term of 2024, and to commission the Welsh Local Government Association to support the work.

The report was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn.   

DECISION

It was agreed on the timetable for holding a Panel Performance Assessment during the autumn term of 2024, and to commission the Welsh Local Government Association to support the work.

DISCUSSION

It was noted that this item had previously been submitted to the Cabinet before being approved by the Full Council in September 2023.

It was reported that the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 placed a duty on Councils to conduct a Panel Performance Assessment once in every electoral cycle.

The Members were reminded that the Full Council had agreed to change the constitution in September 2023 to allow the Cabinet to determine who should undertake and coordinate the panel assessment, as well as the timing of the assessment. It was detailed that three statutory duties must be followed when carrying out a panel assessment, which included:

·       Preparation (determine the scope, terms of reference and membership)

·       Assessment (carry out the assessment and present findings)

·       Follow-up (draw up the final report and the Council's response)

It was explained that the assessment would examine to what extent the Council discharged its functions effectively, used resources prudently and ensured that effective governance arrangements were in place.

It was recommended that this assessment should be undertaken in October 2024 as this would be halfway through the current electoral cycle. It was explained that it would be possible to commission the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) to support the Council by establishing a suitable panel and facilitating them throughout the process.