NEWPORT City Council's decision making has been criticised in a report published by the Auditor General.

The report found that some key council decisions have been considered outside of cabinet meetings and not always subject to the formal decision making process or appearing on public record.

Auditor General for Wales, Huw Vaughan Thomas said: "Decision-making processes in particular are pivotal to ensuring that the leadership and governance of the council support the delivery of effective services during difficult financial times. I would urge the council’s members and officers to work together to improve these arrangements and strengthen the level of scrutiny of key decisions.”

The report found that while progress in financial, people and performance management had improved, there are still weaknesses in governance.

A spokeswoman for the council said the authority challenges the two areas identified as examples of weakness in governance arrangements, claiming it is "disappointing that the good decisions we make were not reflected in this assessment".

The Auditor General found improvements had been made in financial management arrangements including the strengthening of the council's strategic planning and the monitoring and reporting of financial savings.

There has also been progress in people management arrangements with the development of a three-year people plan and improvements in the way training and development is delivered across the council.

ICT arrangements have also improved with a good record of reporting information security breaches, but there are weaknesses in some governance arrangements and uncertainties in plans for business continuity should an unforeseen event occur.

However, there remain aspects of the council’s arrangements which are not fully supporting effective decision-making and improvement, the report says.

This includes the need for safeguards to be in place to give councillors the full range of options and information available when taking or scrutinising decisions.

A spokeswoman for Newport City Council said: "The council is working to address the points made in the report. While we obviously need to carefully consider the issues raised, we do not think some of the conclusions properly reflect the organisation.

"In particular, we would challenge the two areas identified as examples of weakness in governance arrangements. The council makes hundreds of decisions that affect our residents day-to-day lives and it was disappointing that the good decisions we make were not reflected in this assessment.

"The council’s performance is currently at the best level is has been for six years. Ten improvement objectives were set for last year and all 10 were achieved at a minimum of good progress made with three rating as excellent.

"It is no secret that it is a difficult time for local government and Newport City Council has risen to the challenge and our priority continues to be to provide services to our residents and ensure they receive the services they need."