Auditor General's special inspection calls for improved accountability and transparency in the way the council is managed
30/01/2012
Pembrokeshire County Council has a positive culture of trust and respect that has delivered benefits; however, too much informality and lack of consistently effective challenge has weakened accountability, leaving the Council open to unnecessary risk. That is the conclusion of a special inspection report, published today, by the Auditor General for Wales.
His special inspection was launched in response to two critical reports on the Council by Estyn and the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales. Both reports focused on children and young people but also pointed to failures within the culture of the authority and the absence of effective governance in relation to safeguarding and protecting children.
The Auditor General's inspection looked into whether the weaknesses identified in both reports were more widespread, particularly whether weaknesses in democratic accountability and governance were systemic.
The inspection found that there were some very positive aspects of the Council's culture and the way that it operates, but it needs to improve some management practices and Councillors need to be better engaged. The inspection did not find a need to introduce wholesale changes to models of governance and management
Pembrokeshire County Council Special Inspection press release - Monday 30 January 2012
Copy of the Pembrokeshire County Council Special Inspection report