Government, politics and administration

	Report - Click here to download the report - Community councils: Good Governance - Good Practice
	Click here to view the press release
	Links Good Governance Standard for Public Services, CIPFA - Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Governance and accountability for Local Councils: A Practitioners Guide 2008 (Wales), One Voice Wales / Society of Local Council Clerks The Good Councillor's Guide for Community and Town Councils Welsh Assembly Government Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations Guidance, Welsh Assembly Government Governance Toolkit for Parish and Town Councils, Association of Council Secretaries and Solicitors

The standard of financial management at community and town councils in Wales varies reports the Auditor General for Wales. A number of common weaknesses exist at councils across Wales that lead to an increased risk of losses by individual councils .That is the conclusion of a report published by the Auditor General today. Although the number of reported frauds by Community Councils in Wales is small, the report found that they were significant for the councils affected, and had a detrimental effect on public confidence in the councils.

Community and town councils operate at a community level. They are responsible for a range of services and facilities and provide valuable support to local voluntary groups and associations. There are approximately 8,000 community councillors in Wales that provide their time without being paid and play a valuable role in the community. However many councils have problems in filling posts at elections and many councillors are elected unopposed. Most councils only have one paid employee, the clerk or financial officer, who administers the affairs of and financial duties of the council.

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