Local government scrutiny in Wales is improving but councils need to be more consistent in their approach if they are to add value on behalf of the taxpayer, according to a report released today by the Auditor General for Wales. The report also points to a need for councils to do more to demonstrate the impact of scrutiny and clarify the role scrutiny committees play in promoting improvement and challenging decisions.

A report published today by the Auditor General for Wales on Conwy County Borough Council concludes that the Council is generally well managed and governed and that it has a track record of steady improvement, but it has much to do to achieve the savings that will be necessary in future.

At the Conference entitled ‘Ensuring strong and effective financial governance in Community and Town Councils’, held on 15^th May at Venue Cymru, the Auditor General spoke about the need for improved governance and the role the Wales Audit Office will play in helping town councils and clerks meet their annual accounting requirements.

Keynote Speech [PDF 180KB Opens in new window]