The Auditor General has today published a useful guide to public finances in Wales. It is designed to help the public sector, politicians, academics, the media and other relevant organisations. It sets out some key issues that those involved in scrutinising public finances should keep in mind.

Understanding and being able to scrutinise decisions about public spending is a vital part of a democratic society. The Auditor General’s new Guide to Welsh Public Finances provides an easy to digest overview of some of the key issues in Welsh public finances. It looks at:

Out of hours services provide urgent primary care when GP surgeries are closed. They form part of the wider urgent care system that includes A&E departments, NHS Direct and the emerging 111 service.

Our report shows that out-of-hours services are under significant strain. Although patients seem generally happy with the services they get, poor staff morale and difficulties in filling shifts are threatening the resilience of services in many parts of Wales, and a more sustainable approach is needed to address these challenges.