Construction faults similar to those which caused a wall to collapse at Oxgangs Primary School in Edinburgh have been found in council properties throughout the city, the Accounts Commission has revealed.

A report from the public spending watchdog has found that checks carried out in the wake of the incident have uncovered problems at libraries, community centres and care homes.

The report states: “At the end of January 2018, of the 154 properties where assessments had been completed, 19 properties had been identified as having issues similar to those identified at Oxgangs School.

“Remedial work to address the defects identified on these buildings (which include schools, libraries, community centres and care homes) is ongoing.”

Approximately nine tons of masonry fell at Oxgangs Primary School in January 2016, sparking the temporary closure of 17 schools across the capital. Investigations found ties needed to connect the walls to steel beams had not been used in some cases, leaving them unstable in heavy winds.

A previous report by Professor John Cole found it was down to timing and luck that no deaths or injuries occurred.

The Commission’s report said the wall collapse was caused by “serious faults” in procurement, design and construction.

The report acknowledged the “substantial amount of learning already taken forward” as a result of the case, but warned all councils that a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the control and assurance of the construction of public buildings is “vital”.

Graham Sharp, chair of the Accounts Commission, said: “The City of Edinburgh Council responded quickly and comprehensively to the wall collapse at Oxgangs Primary School. However, all councils in Scotland must ensure public buildings in their care are regularly checked and appropriately maintained.

“While reduced resources mean councils must make difficult decisions about service provision, they should have an appropriate level of expertise to deliver and safely maintain buildings. People must have confidence in the safety and integrity of public buildings.”

A City of Edinburgh Council spokeswoman said: “We welcome the Accounts Commission’s report, which addresses the lessons to be learned by all local authorities following the collapse of a wall at Oxgangs Primary. The safety of the public is of utmost importance to the City of Edinburgh Council and we fully acknowledge the need for regular, comprehensive structural assessments of public buildings and are in the process of delivering a series of actions identified by Professor John Cole in an independent report into the closure of Edinburgh schools in 2016.”