Bill must improve transparency

Commenting on the publication of the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Bill, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Local Government said:

"In the light of concerns about available information about the work of local councils and persistently low turnouts for local polls, this is an appropriate time to attempt to enhance local democracy.

"While we welcome a number of these proposals, we are concerned that this Bill misses the opportunity to make local councils more accountable to the people they represent.

"Welsh Conservatives have called for local authorities to follow the lead of several Conservative-run Councils by publishing all their expenditure above £500 for taxpayers to examine.

"Welsh Ministers also need to consider how their proposals can encourage more representative candidates to come forward for election and reduce the number of uncontested Council seats.

"Welsh Ministers should consider how local referenda on exorbitant Council Tax hikes and directly-elected mayors could also make a contribution to improving democratic accountability and putting real power in the hands of voters."

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