ABERCONWY AM challenges Local Government legislation

During yesterday’s debate on the general principles of the Local Government (Wales) Bill, the Shadow Minister for Local Government and Assembly Member for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, highlighted the concerns of Local Authorities, their staff and residents.  The legislation paves the way for the merger of Local Authorities in Wales.

The AM described the current agenda for reforming and re-organising Local Government as:

“Flawed and chaotic; causing huge uncertainty for Local Authorities.”

The Member noted the need for further work on the costs and benefits of re-organisation stating the apprehensions of the Welsh Local Government Association and individual Local Authorities. 

The Member said:

“Many fear that given the financial challenges and continued cuts to public services, authorities may be on the verge of bankruptcy at the initial cost of merger.”

Commenting on the need for guidance on how best merging authorities may address Council Tax harmonisation the AM said:

“The Welsh Labour Government has already failed to implement a Council Tax freeze, which could have saved Welsh households £201.  Residents of merging authorities will quite rightly fear further rises that they cannot afford.”

The AM called on the Minister to publish his vision for re-organisation as soon as possible, saying:

“Local Authorities are desperate to know where their future lies.”

The Assembly Member added:

“The Minister has neither the political consensus nor democratic mandate to re-organise Local Government via this Bill.”