Clarity required over WLGA grant cut
 
Commenting on the Labour government’s decision to cut a 1.6 million pounds grant to the Welsh Local Government Association and – in a written government statement – threaten more cuts to come (‘I will shortly be inviting Cabinet colleagues to review whether the range of current grants they provide to the WLGA,  which may have grown up over several years, remain appropriate’, Leighton Andrews, Public Services Minister), Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said:
 
“Labour’s tough council settlement means difficult decisions across the board – that much is clear.
 
“While effective use of public money is hugely important within all local authorities, the circumstances surrounding this WLGA funding cut will leave an understandably bitter taste.
 
“The association has rightly held Labour ministers to account for what it sees as problems within council finances. For the new Labour minister to threaten further cuts – with little or no clarity – will lead some to question his motives.
 
“Funding such as this must be scrutinised in detail following Labour’s financial mistakes over recent years. Leaving this association in limbo – following criticism rightly levelled from it – leaves questions hanging.”