PRESS RELEASE

Commenting on this morning’s publication of the Williams Commission and its recommendations for the future structure of local government in Wales, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Local Government, said:

"What matters to the vast majority of hardworking families is not the intricate structures of local government, but knowing that services will be delivered in an efficient and cost effective way.

"We believe that public services are best delivered locally so taxpayers can hold local representatives to account for what happens in their community.

"We welcome the publication of this much-anticipated report, which now paves the way for the Welsh Labour Government and the First Minister to promptly set out their proposals to end this period of limbo and uncertainty in local government.

"Seemingly endless speculation about local government reorganisation will have caused considerable worry to the tens of thousands of council workers and their families, who deserve a clear statement of intent from Labour Ministers.

"We now expect Welsh Labour Ministers to study the report carefully and the public will expect Carwyn Jones to bring forward a considered and informed response setting out his intentions in the very near future."