Tough final council settlement requires difficult decisions

Commenting on the Labour government’s Final Revenue and Capital Settlements for Local Government funding in 2015-16, Welsh Conservative Shadow Local Government Minister Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said:

“This remains a tough Labour settlement for our councils.

“Supported by Liberal Democrats, this demanding budget will clearly require difficult decisions and forensic scrutiny of council spending.

“This is an extremely difficult time for local authorities across Wales but it must not result in further council tax rises and more pressure on household incomes.

“Welsh Conservatives have long called for Labour to use specific money provided by the UK government to introduce a council tax freeze in Wales, as there has been in England since 2010.

“Efficiency must now be prioritised, wasteful spending rooted out, tax collection rates radically improved and services delivered in more imaginative ways.”