Wyre is 'weak'

The Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) is released today (Thursday) after an appeal by the council against its disappointing result failed to improve its 'score'.

Council chiefs say they are already working to address the issues raised by the CPA, which gave the council the second worst rating possible, 'weak.'

Audit Commission senior manager, Mike Thomas, said: "Wyre Borough Council is good at providing traditional council services, but it lacks an understanding of what modern local government is about.

"It isn't clear on what its role should be in partnerships and doesn't engage effectively with local people.

"Before the inspection, the council had decided to implement a restructure, which it has now started to implement and this may help."

Council leader, Cllr Alan Vincent, said the council recognised it had been slow to adapt to the Government's new modernisation agenda, but had made considerable progress since the inspectors visited last year. And, while he accepted that the CPA had given Wyre plenty to think about, Cllr Vincent added: "People put crosses on ballot papers. That is the real test of whether you are doing well or not doing well." The council's result was similar to those achieved by other north west boroughs with similar demographics, particularly Fylde, which also received a 'weak' rating, added Cllr Vincent.

The report criticises the lack of a 'clear ambition to the district' which is coupled with 'a lack of clear priorities or capacity and systems to deliver improvement.'

Managing director, Jim Corry, added: "We recognise that the council has some weaknesses and we have already started work on turning those around."

The council also 'lacks systems to robustly prioritise its finite resources' and does not have an up to date understanding of local housing needs or an overall strategic approach to meeting 'young people's needs and aspirations.'