Audit Wales says councils need earlier decisions, clearer forecasts and a full review of how billions of pounds are distributed

THE SYSTEMused to distribute Welsh Government funding to councils has not been independently reviewed for more than 20 years and still relies partly on information dating back to 1991, a new report has warned.

Audit Wales says the current arrangements do not always help Wales’ 22 principal councils secure value for money or plan essential public services effectively.

Its report, Funding Councils, calls on the Welsh Government to provide funding information earlier, offer councils greater certainty about future settlements and ensure decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date evidence.

Councils rely heavily on Welsh Government funding to pay for services including education, social care, waste collection, highways and housing support.

However, auditors found that councils are often given limited information about how much funding they are likely to receive in future years, making long-term financial planning more difficult.

The report says both councils and the Welsh Government should prepare for a range of possible funding settlements so that decisions do not have to be rushed once final figures are announced.

It also raises concerns about the formula used to distribute the majority of unrestricted council funding.

The system has not undergone a full independent review for more than two decades, while some of the indicators used to calculate allocations continue to draw on census and other information from 1991 and 2001.

Audit Wales said there had been significant demographic, economic and social changes across Wales since those figures were collected.

The report also questions the number, design and timing of specific grants handed to councils.

Some grants are announced late in the financial year, leaving authorities with little time to spend the money and increasing the risk that decisions are made quickly rather than as part of a wider strategic plan.

Five recommendations have been made to the Welsh Government, including a review of the funding formula, clearer indications of future funding levels and improvements to the administration of grants.

Auditor General for Wales Adrian Crompton said many of the problems identified reflected recurring concerns he had encountered during his time in office.

He said: “This report finds that the way the Welsh Government funds councils does not always help them to achieve value for money, particularly over the longer term.

“Addressing these themes is essential if the Welsh Government and local authorities are to navigate today’s extreme financial and demand challenges and deliver sustainable public services to the people of Wales.”

The annual local government settlement provides councils with money that is not restricted to a particular service. The amount received by each authority is calculated using a formula intended to reflect local needs and circumstances.

Councils also receive separate grants that must be used for specified purposes.

The latest findings follow previous Audit Wales reports examining the financial sustainability and capital planning arrangements of Welsh local authorities.

Crimestoppers launches national campaign as police estimate up to 11,600 children could be at risk

CHILDREN are being groomed, manipulated and placed in dangerous situations by county lines gangs, Crimestoppers has warned as it launches a new national awareness campaign.

The independent charity is urging members of the public to recognise the warning signs of exploitation and report concerns safely and anonymously.

County lines gangs use children and vulnerable adults to transport drugs, money and weapons between different towns and cities. Young people may be sent far from home and subjected to violence, intimidation, threats and isolation.

Police estimate that as many as 11,600 children could be at risk of county lines exploitation.

More than 2,600 children were identified as being linked to county lines activity during the past year, although authorities believe the true figure is likely to be significantly higher.

Going missing from home is one of the clearest warning signs.

Around 200,000 missing-child reports are made each year, with many involving children who disappear repeatedly. Each episode can increase the risk of exploitation, violence and other forms of harm.

Young people caught up in county lines networks may be taken to unfamiliar areas and feel unable to ask for help because they have been threatened, coerced or made to believe they will be punished.

Violence is also frequently used to maintain control.

Children may be pressured into carrying knives or other weapons in the belief that doing so will protect them. Crimestoppers warned that carrying a weapon instead places them at even greater risk of serious injury, arrest or death.

The effects can spread across entire communities, contributing to violence, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.

Vulnerable adults may also be targeted through a practice known as “cuckooing”, where criminals take over a person’s home and use it as a base for drug dealing or other illegal activity.

Warning signs that a child may be at risk include unexplained gifts, money, new clothes or mobile phones, increased secrecy, changes in behaviour and frequent or unexplained absences.

Hayley Fry, National Manager for Wales at Crimestoppers, said: “County lines exploitation is often hidden in plain sight and can affect any family or community.

“Children are being manipulated and placed in dangerous situations, while those responsible remain in the background.

“We know people may feel unsure about coming forward, but you can tell us what you know while staying completely anonymous.

“No names, no statements, just information that could help protect a young person from harm.”

Anyone with information about county lines activity, or concerns that a young person may be at risk, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the charity’s website.

Crimestoppers does not ask callers for their name or personal details, and information provided cannot be traced.

Young people can also access advice and submit information anonymously through Fearless.org, the charity’s dedicated youth service.

More than 50 young performers will take to the stage in 133 sustainably sourced costumes

MORE than 50 young people from across Pembrokeshire are preparing to bring the legend of Robin Hood to life at the Torch Theatre this month.

The theatre’s Summer Youth Show, Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight, will feature 133 costumes, all of which have been sourced with sustainability in mind.

Supported by the Port of Milford Haven and the Ingles Charitable Trust, the production will run for three nights only, from Monday, July 20, to Wednesday, July 22.

Costume designer Fi Russell has been responsible for creating a distinctive look for the large cast while working within the production’s budget.

She said: “There are more than 130 costumes in this show, so it has been a challenge to source that many outfits within budget while also making them identifiable, rooted in each character and fun.”

Fi trained in scenography at Aberystwyth University before specialising in theatre design and completing a postgraduate diploma at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

She has now worked as a professional theatre designer for more than 15 years.

Fi said the audience’s experience is central to her approach when designing costumes.

She explained: “I love thinking about how the audience will understand, react and respond to the costumes.

“For this show, I have used really strong colour distinctions between the different character groups to make the story as easy to follow as possible.”

Fi’s recent work includes designing the set and costumes for Le Navet Bete’s fast-paced comedy Oh Zeus! and working with magicians The Great Baldini and Peter Clifford on The Curious Case of the Masked Magician. Both productions are currently touring the UK.

Environmental considerations have also played an important part in the preparations for the Torch production.

Fi added: “Sustainability and the environment are really important to me and are embedded in my work.

“We are hiring and borrowing many of the costumes rather than buying new ones, and we will make sure that no clothing goes to landfill at the end of the show.”

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed at the Torch Theatre at 6.30pm on Monday, July 20, Tuesday, July 21, and Wednesday, July 22.

Tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions, and are available through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.