In 2015-16, public bodies in Wales spent around £6 billion through procurement on a range of goods, services and works but need to improve their performance to ensure value for money. In a changing landscape, public bodies face challenges in balancing potentially competing procurement priorities, responding to new policy, legislation and technology, and in the recruitment and retention of key personnel.

Councils in Wales are having to make important decisions about the future shape and level of services they deliver. And, generally, they have clear visions, priorities and arrangements in place to do this. But our report has found that councils could improve arrangements to monitor the impact on local communities of making significant changes to services.