A report by the Auditor General for Wales has criticised the Welsh Government’s flagship Community First programme as unfocussed and failing to achieve its objectives.
He says that despite better management of projects the Government cannot demonstrate that the £214 million programme is meeting it objectives and targets. The report said to improve the way the programme is delivered, the assembly government should make it a “clearer priority” across its own departments.
It also recommended that the assembly government provide additional support to the community projects, while working closer with councils and other public bodies.
Eight years into the programme the assembly government is still not tracking the full extent to which the programme is tackling deprivation and improving living conditions for those in poverty.
The Auditor General concludes that the Welsh Government needs to work much more closely with other public bodies, particularly councils, so they maximise their contribution to the programme. It also needs to improve the priority given to Communities First by its own departments.
Related posts:
