Local authorities are reaching ‘crisis point’ due to chronic underfunding by the Welsh Government, with council taxpayers now being asked to pay more for less in terms of public services.
That’s the warning ahead of a Welsh Conservative opposition debate on Wednesday afternoon.
The average council tax bill in Wales has risen by 187% since 1997, with Band D properties rising from £495, to £1420 over the period.
Meanwhile, the Welsh Local Government Association is warning that running costs for Welsh councils are likely to increase by £750 million by 2019-20.
Speaking ahead of the debate, Shadow Local Government Secretary – Janet Finch-Saunders – said:
“Vital public services, including street cleaning and bin collections, have been decimated by Labour and Plaid Cymru local authorities.
“Council taxpayers are now being asked to pay more for less in terms of public services and it’s fast becoming clear that the Welsh Conservatives are the only party committed to delivering fairer council tax bills.
“For as long as Labour are in Government here in Wales councils, particularly in rural areas, will continue to face tough financial settlements.
“We are fast approaching crisis point which places an onus on councils to develop innovative, localised solutions to public service delivery so that the burden does not fall on already hard-pressed residents.”
Notes to Editors:
The Welsh Conservative motion is as follows:
To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:
- Recognises the important role played by local authorities in delivering significant public services across Wales;
- Notes that strong and effective local government should see power put back into the hands of local people and their communities;
- Acknowledges the important role played by small businesses in driving the Welsh economy and believes local authorities should work closely with the business community to encourage.