Peer challenge highlights 'high-quality' service delivery by Wigan Council
An independent review of Wigan Council has concluded it is a ‘well managed and well-led authority that consistently delivers high-quality services to residents while ensuring value for money.’
A peer review team from the Local Government Association (LGA) visited the borough in January with the feedback report published this week.
Made up of local government leaders from across the country, the review panel scrutinised council documents, interviewed officers, focus groups, elected members and partner organisations.
They also reviewed finance, performance and governance information.
Their report concluded that the council’s Progress With Unity missions ‘create a clear and consistent narrative regarding the vision and outcomes…for the borough.’
Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, said: “We are incredibly proud of the findings highlighted within the report and its praise for our Progress With Unity approach.
“Under challenging circumstances for local government since 2010, Wigan Council has made brave and prudent decisions while consistently delivering high-quality services for our residents.
“We now have an opportunity to shape the borough of the future as part of Progress With Unity and this report confirms we are on the right track.”
The team found that Wigan Council demonstrated ‘resilience, innovation, and a commitment to developing new relationships with residents and community groups’.
This is reflected in the reputation we hold within local government, and the wider public sector, the report added.
Chief executive of Wigan Council, Alison Mckenzie-Folan OBE, said: “There are many positive aspects of the report but I am particularly proud of the review team’s emphasis on our ‘positive and enthusiastic’ workforce culture.
“It also highlighted our strong, collaborative partnerships with the community, public and private sectors – something that is at the heart of Progress With Unity.
“We will work hard to deliver on the recommendations and we look forward to welcoming the peer review team back to Wigan Borough later this year to see the progress we have made.”
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.
Posted on Thursday 8th May 2025