FLINTSHIRE Council has come under fire from a public service watchdog.
The Wales Audit Office has published its Annual Improvement Report for the local authority which highlights weaknesses in the council’s multi-party administration, problems in the education system, a delay in implementing a Single Status agreement in relation to equal pay as well as problems in the housing department.
However, chief executive Colin Everett says the report offers “a general bill of good health”.
The report describes the authority as “politically fragile”. “Whilst much business is conducted satisfactorily we also found the effective governance of the council is affected by the political fragility of the multi-party administration.
“We found a degree of mistrust between officers and councillors and between executive and scrutiny.
“This mistrust has contributed to slower progress than intended on some key council priorities.”
It also describes the leadership of the multi-party administration, which is made up of the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Independent groups, as being “relatively week”.
The report also refers to a recent Estyn inspection in which the county’s education system was referred to as “adequate”
Criticisms were also made of the housing department, particularly in relation to rent arrears and empty properties.
It states: “There has been progress with improving many aspects of landlord services, including dealing with urgent repairs.
“However, performance in addressing voids (empty properties), rent arrears and non-urgent repairs is still below expected levels.”
However the council was praised for its partnership working, its improved support for people in need and the “good progress” made in improving leisure facilities.
The report adds: “There is good progress in some priority areas, but elsewhere progress is mixed and some services are not yet delivering provision at the expected levels.”
Cllr Bernie Attridge, deputy leader of the opposition Labour group, said “There are some good executive members and council staff, but the problem is the political fragility of the coalition.
“The buck has to stop with the leader of the council Arnold Woolley. He should do the honourable thing and resign.
“It may be time for ministerial intervention.
“That is what Flintshire could be in need of.
“I would call on the minister to have a look in detail at this report, because it’s very concerning and urgent action needs to be taken. ”