Commenting on figures provided by north Wales local authorities in relation to costs incurred to host their websites, the Shadow Secretary for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, has praised north Wales councils for streamlining their online presence and cutting website hosting costs.
Wrexham pay just £565 per year to host 8 websites, Flintshire £1,340 for 8, Anglesey £2,400 for 2 and Denbighshire £2,721.46 for 15.
However, in contrast, Conwy County Borough Council pay over £23,000 per year to host 20 websites.
Janet said:
“Modern technology allows many people to access council information and services online, yet it is baffling as to why Conwy would require 20 different sites for this. Some local authorities are very prudent in terms of managing their marketing – and there are fantastic examples across north Wales of this: Wrexham spend just £565.00 per year on website hosting, whilst Flintshire spend just £1,340.
“However, with Conwy spending a staggering £23,261 to host 20 websites, it beggars belief that, once again, we have a clear example where smarter thinking is required by the Plaid Cymru-Labour coalition sitting on the Conwy Cabinet.
“With council tax increases of almost 5% on the horizon for Conwy residents, this spend in comparison to the other North Wales authorities is particularly painful when considering that Conwy residents saw the highest council tax increase in Wales last year.
“It is imperative that the Cabinet executive of any local authority instils financial prudence across the board at a time when belts are being tightened due to years a cuts to local government funding by the Welsh Labour Government and increased pressures on social services spending.
“Elected councillors have a duty to scrutinise and challenge Cabinet when over-the-top expenditure is identified, and to robustly identify ways to offer more efficient services, and spend our money more carefully.”
ENDS
Notes:
Between 59% and 74% of people in North Wales use the internet.
Conwy, raised its council tax by an inflation-busting 5% in 2016-17, one of the highest in the UK. The only three authorities in England with higher council taxes are Hambleton, West Oxfordshire and Somerset County Council – Department for Communities and Local Government Council Tax levels set by local authorities in England 2016 to 2017 (revised) 31 March 2016
Information is based on the responses to a Freedom of Information Request submitted by the AM. Copies of individual responses available on request.