Swansea Council performance improving says Wales Audit Office report

VITAL public services that make a difference to the lives of Swansea residents every day are continuing to improve, according to an in-depth investigation by the Wales Audit Office.

Priority services such as education, social care and safeguarding are improving and the council has a clear vision of what it wants to achieve in the years ahead against a background of rising demand and reducing resources.

Every council in Wales gets a corporate ‘health check’ by the Wales Audit Office every four years. It’s known as a Corporate Assessment Report.

The report says environmental services such as recycling and waste are generally being delivered at the highest quality and the council’s work helping older people to live independent lives is ‘refreshing and positive’.

On top of that the report says pupils are consistently getting GCSE results which are well above expectations and fewer pupils are leaving school without a qualification than the Welsh average.

The report published today [June 24 identifies areas for further improvement, but Auditor General for Wales Huw Vaughan Thomas said: “The Council can demonstrate improvement across a range of key services and has developed a clear framework for managing future challenges.”

He said the council has:

• A clear vision of what it wishes to achieve that is understood by its senior managers
• A strong track record in effectively managing its budget and has established comprehensive arrangements for managing the financial challenges it faces in the future.
• Has robust governance arrangements and is improving access to information about its scrutiny activity.

And the report added: “Despite reduced budgets and staff numbers the council is generally delivering environmental health services at the highest levels.”

It said: “The council can demonstrate sustained improvement in the reduction in the amount of waste going to landfill and an increase in the proportion of waste recycled.”

The report says older people are supported to focus on their strengths and given a clear say in care services which are tailored appropriately to their needs.

Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said the Auditor General’s report showed that, despite budget reductions over the last two years, services focussed on the priorities which matter to the people of Swansea were continuing to improve.

He said: “Safeguarding the most vulnerable children and older adults, social care and education are among our top priorities. The Auditor General’s report shows that despite the challenges we face, those services are continuing to improve.

“The report followed an in-depth examination of the council’s work, including interviews with councillors, senior managers and our frontline staff.

“It is the people who work for the council, making a difference every day with their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm, which has resulted in the very positive remarks the Auditor General has made and I want to thank them for their effort.”

Pointing to the Sustainable Swansea – Fit for the Future programme, The Corporate Assessment Report said the council had responded effectively to the challenge of managing a future where the resources it has to meet local needs will be severely reduced.

Cllr Stewart said: “Despite such a satisfactory report, as a council we know there is still more to do and more challenges to meet. Over the next few years we have to continue to improve while managing rising demand for services and making savings of at least £81m.

“The report highlights areas for improvement and we’ve already made a start on them. But, overall, the Corporate Assessment says Swansea Council is well placed to face up to the challenges ahead while also delivering on the priorities of the people of our city.”