In January 2025, we invited the Local Government Association (LGA) to undertake a Corporate Peer Challenge.
The Peer Challenge is a well-recognised national programme for councils that takes place every five years to identify good practice and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
During the three-day visit the peer team spoke to more than 130 colleagues, conducted 46 interviews, held focus groups as well as visits to partners, community settings and community organisations.
The peer team, which consisted of senior leaders from other councils and advisors from the LGA, also reviewed our finance, performance and governance information.
The final report highlights the many positives and strengths we have as a council and praise for our partnership movement 'Progress with Unity'.
Conclusions
You can view the full Peer Challenge report, which includes the following main conclusions:
- Wigan Council is a well-managed and well-led authority that consistently delivers high-quality services to its residents while ensuring value for money.
- The council has demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a commitment to developing new relationships with residents and community groups.
- It is recognised for its willingness to develop, test, and try new ways of working which is demonstrated through Progress with Unity and its ambition to address issues of inequality in the borough.
- The organisation has a clear track record for effective financial management and is in a stable financial position despite significant budget pressures.
- The most striking asset of the Council was the positive and enthusiastic culture of its staff.
The council will be working on all of the recommendations within the report to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible service for the people of the borough.