Welsh Conservatives have called for a full review of Welsh Government civil emergency arrangements.

It follows the publication of a Wales Audit Office report, which criticises current procedures and makes a number of recommendations.

Within his report, the Auditor General said 'We are not confident that the Welsh public sector has set up a sufficiently strong, efficient and effective framework to improve resilience and response to emergency incidents'.

He also concludes that 'the Welsh Government's co-ordinating role should be clearer and responding organisations need to be more efficient'.

Referring to finances for civil emergency arrangements, the report states that 'local authorities spent £4 million on emergency planning in 2010-11 but do not always prioritise spending to the areas at the highest risk from civil emergencies.'

The report follows recent catastrophic flooding across Wales.

Shadow Minister for Finance Paul Davies AM said:

"These are very grave warnings that must be heeded at all costs.

"When emergencies sadly occur, we all rightly expect the correct procedures to be in place and public money to be spent efficiently.

"Despite the never-ending hard work and determination of rescue workers – seen most recently in north Wales – it's clear that the current arrangements need urgent improvement.

"In light of this report, we want to see a full review of civil emergency arrangements in Wales and a ministerial statement in the Senedd as soon as possible.

"Co-operation with the UK Government, efficiencies, co-ordination and financial management all require swift and thorough change."

Shadow Minister for Environment, Russell George AM, said:

"Recent flooding in north Wales – and further afield – has once again shown just how tragic and life-changing civil emergencies can be.

"While the community spirit, resolve and grit of everyone involved is always truly inspirational, we must also make sure that the arrangements in place are absolutely perfect.

"As it stands, they are not.

"If ministers are serious about getting this right, they will review the current procedures and report back to the Assembly as soon as possible."