Minister sets up independent review of administrative costs across Welsh councils

Leighton Andrews said the review would identify the overall picture of expenditure on administration in councils across the country.

The minister said: “I have made it clear I expect all local authorities in Wales to focus the limited resources available to them on delivering front line services to citizens, and to reduce spending on administration and backroom services.

“This review will enable me and local authorities to compare and contrast expenditure and understand where practice should be changed to move a greater proportion of the spending to delivering services to citizens.”

It is also expected that the review’s findings will help inform the Welsh Government’s work to reform local government and identify opportunities for a shared service approach.