Commenting on a Wales Audit Office annual improvement report into Caerphilly Council – which has highlighted ‘significant failings’ and announced a special inspection - Shadow Minister for Local Government Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said:

“This report is of further serious concern and I welcome the Auditor General’s decision to undertake a special inspection.

“Any council highlighted as having ‘significant failings’ should fall under the scrutiny of the Labour minister and I urge her to monitor the on-going situation at Caerphilly extremely closely.

“Improvement is now absolutely crucial at this council and I sincerely hope its response will be swift and efficient.”