Mumbles Community Council, a local authority nestled on the Swansea coastline, came under intense scrutiny following the publication of a 2019 Report in the Public Interest by the Auditor General for Wales. The report revealed over £21,000 of unlawful spending during the 2017–18 financial year, raising serious concerns about procurement practices and accountability.
A Breach of Trust
During this period, the council engaged the services of a planning consultancy, CDN Planning, to assist with local development projects. However, the process by which the consultancy was appointed and paid fell significantly short of legal and procedural requirements.
The Auditor General found that:
The council failed to obtain competitive quotes or go through a formal tendering process.
There was no contract or written agreement defining the scope of the consultancy work.
At least one councillor authorised work without proper approval from the full council, in contravention of the Local Government Act 1972.
As a result, more than £21,400 of council spending was deemed unlawful.
The Aftermath
In response to these findings, the Auditor General issued a series of recommendations, including:
A review and clarification of the council’s standing orders and financial regulations.
The introduction of formal contracts and clearer terms of reference for consultants.
Ensuring that all financial decisions, including the appointment of consultants, are properly authorised by the full council.
Mumbles Community Council was required to consider the report in a full council meeting and to produce a public response outlining corrective action.
Why It Matters
Though the amount involved may appear modest, it represents a significant portion of the council’s budget. More importantly, it highlights fundamental issues regarding governance and transparency at the local level.
The lack of a formal procurement process and the delegation of authority to individual councillors without oversight undermined public trust. This incident underscores the importance of good governance, even within the smallest tiers of government.
What Has Changed?
Following the report, the council has made commitments to improve its procedures. New policies have been introduced to ensure financial controls are adhered to, and training has reportedly been provided to councillors.
Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether these changes are sufficient. Residents and stakeholders are entitled to ask whether oversight has truly improved and whether lessons have been fully learned.
A Call for Continued Scrutiny
This case offers a cautionary tale for community councils across Wales. Transparency, lawful spending, and robust governance are not optional—they are fundamental to maintaining public confidence.
As local councils continue to take on more responsibilities, the public must remain vigilant. Mumbles Community Council’s experience serves as a reminder that even small authorities must be held to the highest standards.
