Health Board Still Owes Conwy Council Nearly £400,000, Says MS

Concerns have been raised over an outstanding debt of almost £400,000 owed by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) to Conwy County Borough Council, with calls for greater financial accountability across public services in North Wales.

Janet Finch-Saunders MS has questioned how the debt was allowed to build up after it emerged that the health board still owes the council hundreds of thousands of pounds in unpaid invoices linked to jointly funded care arrangements and shared services.

Although the outstanding balance has fallen significantly from more than £1.6 million earlier this year, the remaining debt continues to raise questions about financial management and partnership working between key public sector organisations.

The issue comes at a time when both health and social care services across North Wales are facing increasing demand, workforce pressures and ongoing budget challenges. Effective collaboration between local authorities and health boards is widely recognised as essential to maintaining frontline services and supporting vulnerable residents.

Commenting on the situation, Janet Finch-Saunders, Senedd Member for Bangor Conwy Môn, said:

“It is concerning that Conwy County Borough Council is still owed almost £400,000 by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. While the reduction in the debt is welcome, questions remain about how such a large outstanding balance was allowed to accumulate.

At a time when both councils and health services are under significant financial pressure, it is vital that public bodies work together effectively and ensure money owed for shared services is paid promptly.

The remaining balance should now be settled as quickly as possible, and reassurance if measures are in place to prevent similar issues occurring in the future.”

The outstanding invoices relate to arrangements where local authorities and health boards work together to deliver care and support services, particularly for individuals with complex health and social care needs.

With public sector budgets under sustained pressure, the issue is likely to renew scrutiny of financial governance and the management of partnership agreements across North Wales. Stakeholders will be looking for assurances that processes are in place to prevent similar debts from accumulating in the future and to ensure that councils are not left carrying significant unpaid costs.

The latest figures show progress has been made in reducing the debt, but questions remain over how the balance grew to more than £1.6 million and what lessons can be learned to strengthen financial oversight between public sector partners.