An audit of Welsh local councils has suggested that while some services are improving, skills shortages could cause problems in other key areas.

The report, published by the Audit Commission in Wales, concluded that the policies pursued by the Cardiff administration are beginning to make a difference.

But it also highlighted a range of problems such as poor management and transparency, and warned that some targets were likely to be missed.

In contrast to their counterparts in Westminster, Rhodri Morgan's administration has eschewed league tables and "naming and shaming" councils in favour of a partnership approach that puts the emphasis on spreading best practice through cooperation.

The findings of the independent inspection watchdog could therefore give ammunition to critics who say more should be done to put local taxpayers and service users first.

The report on the first year of the Wales Programme for Improvement found "an encouraging picture".

"But, there is some way to go if local authorities are to make real improvements to the quality of life in their areas," said Clive Grace, director general of the Audit Commission in Wales.

"A greater focus is needed on the significant corporate risks which some councils face and on the actions that will do most to improve services quickly. 

"Some authorities have yet to develop effective performance measurement frameworks, whilst some need to introduce mechanisms for reporting performance and progress against action plans."

Key issues

He added that Wales' distinct policy agenda had "placed greater responsibility on local government itself to change and improve the services it provides".

The report urged greater emphasis on the need for good leadership, at political, corporate and community levels.

And it highlighted a shortage of some types of staff and expertise within the local government workforce. This has meant that some council services are under-performing, the report said.

In education, the study concluded that the overall trend and rate of improvement was very good.  But in social services recent inspections had been "disappointing".

"Lack of capable management arrangements and a shortage of skilled social workers have been significant contributory factors for this situation in most cases," it said.

In housing and asset management a lack of appropriate management structures was a key concern, while on the environment the report concluded that "many authorities could struggle" to reach the Welsh Assembly Government’s target for 2007 that one quarter of all waste is recycled.

Recommendations

There was also a "lack of adequate performance information" on infrastructure maintenance, while on central services such as legal affairs and technology there was "an apparent lack of transparency".

Recommendations for local authorities include a need to focus on turning analysis and assessment into actions which will result in improvements.

"Authorities need to actively consider how national, regional and local partnership delivery arrangements should be extended to achieve better efficiency and value for money," added the report.
 
"They also need to continue to strengthen their performance information and performance management arrangements."