The Welsh Labour Government must take action now to avoid being caught ill-prepared for severe winter weather, Welsh Conservatives have warned ahead of a key debate. 

Tomorrow, Welsh Conservatives will hold a debate on the impact of winter pressures on the delivery of public services and call on Labour Ministers to develop a cross-portfolio Winter Pressures Strategy.

Such a strategy would encompass plans for road gritting, keeping schools open and supporting the smooth running of public transport.　 Welsh Labour Ministers have also been called to take action on fuel poverty, support for farmers as well as a series of measures to relieve winter pressure on the NHS. 

Earlier this week, Welsh Conservatives released figures showing that Wales has the lowest uptake of flu vaccinations of all the UK nations for every at risk group. 

Ambulance response time targets for category A calls were missed in September 2012 for the fourth consecutive month, despite the Welsh Government having the lowest target in Britain – 65% compared to 75% in Scotland and England. 

Byron Davies AM, Shadow Minister for Transport & Regeneration, who is leading the debate, said, "In recent years, the Welsh Labour Government has been caught on the hop by sudden inclement weather, which has brought large parts of Wales to a standstill. 

"Being ill-prepared for severe winter weather causes considerable inconvenience for commuters, shoppers and tourists and has a significant cost to the Welsh economy. 

"This year, Welsh Labour Ministers need a robust crosscutting strategy to deal effectively with winter pressures to ensure public services, local councils and the Welsh Government itself are fully prepared. 

"Keeping our infrastructure networks running is critical to keep schools open, allow people to get to work, enable the emergency services to operate and prevent our entire economy grinding to a halt." 

Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Local Government, said, "A & E departments and ambulance services are always under greater pressure during the winter months, which is why Labour Ministers should take every possible step to prepare. 

"While we all hope for the best, we need reassurances that the Welsh Government is working with local authorities to prepare for the worst. 

"We need a clear action plan in place now to keep our public services and economy moving during the depths of winter."