Title

FINANCE

Auditors call for Welsh finance improvements

The financial planning of Welsh councils is ‘strengthening’ but there is still scope to improve the way savings are identified and delivered, auditors have said.

The financial planning of Welsh councils is ‘strengthening' but there is still scope to improve the way savings are identified and delivered, auditors have said.

A report by the Wales Audit Office noted spending within budgets was proving to be a ‘challenge' for some authorities.

It also warned the engagement of councillors and the effectiveness of decision making on savings was ‘inconsistent'.

The report called for improvements in the way savings are identified and delivered, and the development of corporate-wide income generation, charging and reserves strategies.

‘Councils in Wales are facing significant financial challenges,' said the Auditor General for Wales, Huw Vaughan Thomas.

‘The continued impact of austerity and reductions in public monies, coupled with the unclear implications of Brexit, require councils to continue to cope with uncertainties.

‘While I am pleased to see councils making progress in strengthening their financial planning, they need to do more in response to the challenging environment.'

FINANCE

Reorganisation, Reform and devolution

By Ann McGauran | 02 October 2025

Change is rippling through local government, from structural reform and new combined authorities, to health integration and the push for financial sustainabi...

FINANCE

Technology and bold thinking – a winning combination

By Tim Farr | 02 October 2025

In today’s climate, organisations have to be resilient, adaptive and forward-looking in order to survive. And the right leadership is vital to enable this mo...

FINANCE

The essential role of agencies in council's recruitment and retention

By Cieran Donnelly | 02 October 2025

At a time of ongoing change, temporary staff can fulfil a vital role in maintaining the high performance of your organisation – and strategic agency partners...

FINANCE

Beyond winning and losing: leadership lessons for LGR

By Max Wide | 01 October 2025

Max Wide explores the leadership choices posed by reorganisation and reflects on how collaboration, cultural integration and private sector insights can help...

Popular articles by William Eichler