Summary findings and recommendations
In summary, Wyre Council was praised for our robust financial stewardship and value for money services, which were generally highly regarded by local communities. Senior officers were well respected, both by colleagues and partners and the recent restructuring of our leadership team had clearly paid dividends. Working relationships between councillors and officers were also extremely positive.
The CPC team recognised the new Council Plan as providing a clear framework for councillors, officers, partners and residents on our key priorities, but it was noted that there was some mixed understanding of it and that it would benefit from further engagement work both internally and externally.
The Peer Challenge team believed that there were opportunities for the Council to consider how its current healthy position (relative to its partners) and the potential to deliver further efficiencies through a transformation programme could be used to build up internal capacity to help fund delivery of Council Plan commitments and unlock projects that needed initial seed funding to move forward.
The team were impressed with the leadership and delivery on several flagship projects including the impressive Wyre Beach Management Coastal Defence Scheme and the new commercial fish processing facility in Fleetwood (Neptune), as well as the improvements at Fleetwood Market. The benefits arising from all our health and community safety initiatives ranked very highly.
Overall, the Peer Review team felt that Wyre Council delivered high quality, value-for-money services and had a great story to tell. It recommended that a clear plan should be developed to strengthen communication about its achievements, which would in turn enhance its reputation.