Draft Annual Self-Assessment 2023 - 2024

View this page in Welsh / Gweld y tudalen hwn yn Gymraeg

What is the Annual Self-Assessment?

Our Annual Self-Assessment Report looks at the Council’s performance in delivering its Annual Delivery Plan commitments for 2023/24.

These are the priorities we set ourselves for last year and were agreed after speaking to Vale residents and our key partners. Our strategy for 2023/24 was to prioritise the services that matter to residents, especially the most vulnerable members of our communities.

There are three judgements in our self-assessment. These are:

  • an assessment of our performance against the priorities set in our Annual Delivery Plan.

  • an assessment of the Council’s use of resources (which includes its people, assets, finance and procurement, performance and risk and engagement insights).

  • an assessment of the effectiveness of the Council’s governance, risk management and internal controls. This is given in the form of an Annual Governance Statement.


What does it say?

Public Feedback and Priorities:

Our Let’s Talk about Life in the Vale survey showed that most people like living in the Vale (60% satisfied, 80% would recommend it). However, people are worried about the cost of living, climate change, and services for older and younger people.

The survey identifies several areas where residents feel we need to improve, in particular the quality of some services and how we listen to residents before taking decisions.

Governance:

The Council received a "Reasonable Assurance" rating for how well it manages risks and controls its processes. This means things are working well overall but could be improved.

Performance:

Out of 591 planned actions in last year’s Annual Delivery Plan, 85% were completed successfully. 15% still need attention.

Use of Resources:

The Council was rated "Good" in how it uses resources, but it is facing big financial challenges. Successes include a big increase in public engagement with the climate action "Project Zero" and achieving 88% of planned savings.

Achievements:

In 2023/24 the Council launched a Digital Strategy, supported LGBTQ+ inclusion, promoted Welsh language learning, and completed energy-saving projects.

Schools improved, with better exam results and strong support for vulnerable students. The Council also invested heavily in schools and infrastructure.

The Council helped the community with cost-of-living support, affordable housing projects, and strong social care services.

Challenges and Future Focus:

Looking ahead, the Council aims to secure more funding, get more people involved in decision-making, improve staff well-being, and deal with financial pressures. They also plan to promote better transport options, improve digital services, and strengthen partnerships with the community.

Read the full report and have your say on our draft Annual Self Assessment.

View this page in Welsh / Gweld y tudalen hwn yn Gymraeg

What is the Annual Self-Assessment?

Our Annual Self-Assessment Report looks at the Council’s performance in delivering its Annual Delivery Plan commitments for 2023/24.

These are the priorities we set ourselves for last year and were agreed after speaking to Vale residents and our key partners. Our strategy for 2023/24 was to prioritise the services that matter to residents, especially the most vulnerable members of our communities.

There are three judgements in our self-assessment. These are:

  • an assessment of our performance against the priorities set in our Annual Delivery Plan.

  • an assessment of the Council’s use of resources (which includes its people, assets, finance and procurement, performance and risk and engagement insights).

  • an assessment of the effectiveness of the Council’s governance, risk management and internal controls. This is given in the form of an Annual Governance Statement.


What does it say?

Public Feedback and Priorities:

Our Let’s Talk about Life in the Vale survey showed that most people like living in the Vale (60% satisfied, 80% would recommend it). However, people are worried about the cost of living, climate change, and services for older and younger people.

The survey identifies several areas where residents feel we need to improve, in particular the quality of some services and how we listen to residents before taking decisions.

Governance:

The Council received a "Reasonable Assurance" rating for how well it manages risks and controls its processes. This means things are working well overall but could be improved.

Performance:

Out of 591 planned actions in last year’s Annual Delivery Plan, 85% were completed successfully. 15% still need attention.

Use of Resources:

The Council was rated "Good" in how it uses resources, but it is facing big financial challenges. Successes include a big increase in public engagement with the climate action "Project Zero" and achieving 88% of planned savings.

Achievements:

In 2023/24 the Council launched a Digital Strategy, supported LGBTQ+ inclusion, promoted Welsh language learning, and completed energy-saving projects.

Schools improved, with better exam results and strong support for vulnerable students. The Council also invested heavily in schools and infrastructure.

The Council helped the community with cost-of-living support, affordable housing projects, and strong social care services.

Challenges and Future Focus:

Looking ahead, the Council aims to secure more funding, get more people involved in decision-making, improve staff well-being, and deal with financial pressures. They also plan to promote better transport options, improve digital services, and strengthen partnerships with the community.

Read the full report and have your say on our draft Annual Self Assessment.