Public services across Wales are being slashed, despite 75% more spent per head on local government revenue in Wales than across the border in England [see Notes].
Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Assembly Member for Aberconwy said:
“Whilst I welcome the higher spend per head in Wales, it really is disappointing that this has not resulted in improved services for council taxpayers, who have seen cuts to many of their local services.
“Since 2013, residents in Wales have faced the closure of 1 in 5 public toilets, 82 schools, and also a quarter of school crossing patrols.
“In Aberconwy, bin collections reduced to just four-weekly, yet council tax increasing by 5% year-on-year – over 230% since devolution!”
During spokespersons questions, the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government slammed the Welsh Labour Government for their years of failings and poor leadership.
Janet has called for more local authorities to follow the example of Welsh Conservative-led Monmouthshire County Council in publishing all expenditure on their website.
ENDS
Notes:
2016-17 local government revenue expenditure
- Spend per head in England is 57% that of Wales
- Spend per head in Wales is 75% higher (1.75 times more) than in England
Sources: