A Welsh Conservative Government will ensure that any Council mergers are decided by local people via a referendum, the Party’s Shadow Local Government Minister has confirmed.
The commitment - which will be included in the Party's 2016 Assembly manifesto - comes as Assembly Members will today have the opportunity to vote on radical new proposals to inject localism into the heart of decision-making in Wales.
During a Senedd debate on Wednesday, Welsh Conservatives will outline measures to empower individuals and community groups to tackle issues of local significance.
By ensuring any local authority mergers are subject to a referendum, proposals for reform will need to be justified to local communities, and given a clear mandate. By contrast, Labour Ministers have threatened a marker-pen assault of Wales' communities from Cardiff Bay; without necessary discussion or consultation with the people local services impact upon the most.
Shadow Local Government Minister Janet Finch-Saunders AM said:
“Where councils can work together, share services and save money, they have the backing and support of Welsh Conservatives – but only with the consent of local people.
“That’s why a Welsh Conservative Government will ensure local government reorganisation be determined at a local level, and with the consent and understanding of the people of Wales.
“By leading a discussion of Councils - allowing them to come together and explore options for viable, sustainable local mergers; and putting those proposals to the people; Welsh Conservatives will allow our communities to make an informed choice about the future of services in their area.”
Today’s debate will also focus on Welsh Conservative plans to introduce a Localism & Citizenship (Wales) Bill, which would transform the public’s role in the decision-making process. It would seek to address the “deficit of empowerment” which exists between communities in Wales and elsewhere in the UK - following years of inaction from Labour Ministers.
Calls will also be made for Wales to embrace the community right to bid and the community right to challenge; as part of a community rights agenda, which gives local communities the opportunity to take over the running and ownership of key local services – safeguarding the position of services such as pubs, Post Offices and community centres.
Speaking ahead of the debate, Ms Finch-Saunders AM added:
“For too long, Labour Ministers have denied communities in Wales a real say over matters which affect their day-to-day lives – instead obsessing with an agenda of centralisation that fails to deliver real devolution for Wales.
“Wales needs a radical, ambitious programme of reform; which gives people a greater say and the ability to have the right to take on a stake on vital community assets.
“Sadly, Labour has made it increasingly difficult for local people to have a say over issues which impact upon their local area. We are now faced with a deficit of empowerment in Wales - where people in other UK nations have far more opportunity to have a say over matters that influence them.
“We want to deliver real change to local decision-making in Wales; so we can all play our part in delivering a better future for the nation. We can’t allow Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party to make the same old mistakes – by denying people a voice – all over again.”
AMs will also have the opportunity to voice support for the on-going campaign seeking the introduction of a directly-elected Mayor for Cardiff.
Campaigners are seeking 24,647 petition signatures to trigger a referendum on the introduction of a Mayor for Cardiff – in a move which, if successful, could have a major role to play in enhancing local democracy, accountability and decision-making.
Welsh Conservative Leader Andrew RT Davies added:
“People across Wales' capital city could benefit hugely from a recognisable, well-known local figurehead; with a mandate given by the whole electorate.
“Directly-elected mayors can provide a loud, proud, local voice for our communities – and it is right that local people, such as in Cardiff, have the chance to have their say over whether they support the position.
“Sadly, in Wales, the threshold of signatures required to give local people that say is mammoth - and far higher than in England. Welsh Conservatives want to change that - giving local people a say over the decisions which impact upon them.”
