Commenting on the release of the local government settlement, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said:

“Rural councils such as Monmouthshire and Powys once again bear the brunt of the cuts dished out to local authorities by the Welsh Labour Government.

“Whilst the severe cuts of recent years have been avoided, this remains a difficult settlement for Welsh councils who will still experience a real-terms cut.

“Previous settlements have devastated council budgets and hardworking people have paid the price through deteriorating levels of service and higher bills.

“Since the onset of devolution, council tax has risen by a staggering 187 per cent under the Labour Party and there appears to be little or no respite on the cards.”