Welsh government failed to spend £155m at Covid height, says Senedd report
The conclusions are part of the Senedd's Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee report on the Welsh government's accounts for 2020-21.
A Treasury spokesperson said funding arrangements "were applied in the usual way in relation to the Welsh government underspend."During the pandemic the Welsh government handed out support for businesses in the form of grants. At least £893m was provided through local authorities. The Welsh government said: "Current evidence, as set out in the report, suggests very low levels of fraud and error in our grants to businesses as a result of the approach taken in Wales".Much of the report focuses on Dame Shan's decision to go part-time and partially retire in April 2018.
Explaining the payment, the Welsh government said: "A monetary alternative was offered as it had not been possible for the former permanent secretary to take the time off she was entitled to." The report said he was paid more than the £162,500-£180,000 salary advertised, because he had been kept on the pay system for chief executives in the NHS.Judith Paget took Mr Goodall's previous job as chief executive of the Welsh NHS.
Plaid Cymru's Llŷr Gruffydd called for the Welsh government to apologise and said: "Lack of transparency and poor record keeping in the transition from one permanent secretary to another will only fuel accusations of a cosy club that sees itself as being above scrutiny".
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hundreds of protesters turned up to oppose the far-right in a small Welsh townAround 20 members from the far-right group Patriotic Alternative turned up to oppose plans to house Ukrainian refugees at an old school. But they were outnumbered by locals who brandished signs which read: ‘Llantwit Major refugees welcome fascists not!’
Read more »
Specialist teams set up to tackle Covid-19 spread to be stood downSpecialist teams set up to tackle Covid-19 spread to be stood down by Blackburn with Darwen Council
Read more »
Covid memorial sculpture unveiled in SheffieldThe steel willow tree is a tribute to those who died and to key workers, the council says.
Read more »
How historic homes in the Borders have been changed by CovidThe sites across the Borders are looking at new ways to attract visitors following the pandemic.
Read more »
Protest Held in Hong Kong After Years of Strict COVID RulesThe rules set out by the police, who cited security reasons, came as the financial hub was promoting its return to normalcy after years of anti-virus controls and political turmoil
Read more »
Brexit 'as bad for economy as Covid'Brexit has cost the UK economy the same amount as Covid and the war in Ukraine, the head of the government economic watchdog has said.
Read more »