Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Local Government, today spoke during the debate to approve the General Principals of the Local Government Byelaws (Wales) bill.

As a member of the Communities, Equality and Local Government committee who have been examining the proposed Bill, Janet welcomed the bill and paid tribute to all who had participated in the consultation and evidence-giving process.

Janet said: “The main aim of discussion of this Bill is to ensure that it really delivers for smaller, local community councils and ensures the maximisation of the local democratic potential on offer here.

“With so many council seats being returned unopposed at the upcoming elections, this Bill is important in ensuring that democracy is not further eroded at a local level.

“It is important to acknowledge the constitutional limitations smaller councils have. More work is needed to discuss how smaller councils can work with unitary authorities to utilise the necessary resources and expertise in order to combat the financial constraints some councils may face.”