NEWPORT council was praised for making improvements across a number of its departments in its annual Wales Audit Office report.

But improvements are still needed in some areas, the assessment shows.

The report found the authority has a strong and accountable financial leadership, which has successfully overcome predicted overspends in recent years.

It said staff in social services were receiving better support and those who use day services in the city were now were receiving a better, more tailored service.

The opening of the new Serennu Centre, in partnership with neighbouring councils and the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, is providing better facilities for children with complex difficulties. People who use social services now have more of a say on things which affect them, the report said.

It also found that the council had increased its recycling rate and has reduced the amount it sends to landfill – a trend which needs to continue, assessors said.

Overall school standards in the city were judged as good and the performance of pupils in key stages 1, 2 and 3 are above average.

The report also praised the council’s roads improvement programme, Project 21, for improving the condition of the city’s pavements and highways.

But it also highlighted areas which needed improvement, including the council’s land and property management and the speed at which it delivers disabled facilities grants, which are currently taking more than 18 months to process.

Council leader Matthew Evans said: “The report has pointed out a few areas where the council could do better. We are already aware of the issues and have been taking steps to address them.

“However, even when we are doing exceptionally well, there is no intention of resting on our laurels. As a council we will carry on striving to make our services the best they can possibly be.”