Welsh Conservatives will hold a debate this afternoon on Welsh Labour’s controversial new plans to reorganise local government. However, the First Minister’s announcement that he intends to stand down has cast fresh doubt on the proposals.
Just weeks ago Labour’s Local Government Secretary – Alun Davies – put forced mergers firmly back on the agenda, despite clear pledges by his predecessor.
The Cabinet Secretary claimed that the process will be voluntary, but it is believed that he has drawn up a shortlist, and he has made it clear that he will use statutory frameworks to force mergers through if required.
During First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday, Carwyn Jones pointedly refused to commit the Welsh Government to an M4 relief road – another flagship government policy.
Now, there are concerns that the outgoing First Minister’s impending departure could leave other major reforms in limbo.
Ahead of the debate, Shadow Local Government Secretary, Janet Finch-Saunders, warned that the uncertainty was having a negative impact on already creaking frontline services.
She said:
“Just weeks ago the Welsh Government announced its third major set of proposals to reform local government in just a few years.
“They’ve spent considerable amounts of taxpayer money, and wasted several years discussing disruptive plans which have led to a sustained period of uncertainty for local authorities.
“With the First Minister’s impending resignation you have to wonder where the latest reincarnation of forced mergers is heading – after all, there’s no certainty that the same Local Government Secretary will even be in post under a new leader.
“What is clear is that the vast majority of Welsh councils are firmly against these disruptive and counter-productive plans.
“We all want to see the cost of politics reduced, but councils are already exploring collaboration on a regional level, and we would not back mergers without the consent of local residents and taxpayers.”
ENDS
Notes
The motion in today’s Welsh Conservative debate is as follows:
NDM6707 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)
To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:
1. Notes that the Welsh Government Green Paper – Strengthening Local Government: Delivering for People – is the third proposal in three years put forward by the Welsh Government on local government reform.
2. Further notes that local authorities were working towards regional arrangements put forward under the Cabinet Secretary Local Government and Public Service’s predecessor.
3. Regrets that the latest proposal has caused sustained periods of uncertainty for councils and their frontline staff.
4. Is concerned by the continual top-down nature of Welsh local government reform, as shown by the lack of meaningful engagement with council leaders and Chief Executives in the preparation of this paper, as well as the absence of strategic cost and benefit analysis taken on all previous local government reform proposals.
Welsh Government Green Paper Consultation Document – Strengthening Local Government: Delivering for People
The following amendments have been tabled:
Amendment 1. Julie James (Swansea West)
Delete all and replace with:
1. Notes the Welsh Government’s Green Paper - Strengthening Local Government: Delivering for People - which is currently out for consultation.
2. Notes the current configuration of 22 local authorities in Wales is not sustainable.
[If amendment 1 is agreed, amendments 2 and 3 will be de-selected]
Amendment 2. Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)
Add as new point after point 2 and renumber accordingly:
Regrets the austerity that has led to major cuts to local government budgets for many years, and the continuous uncertainty that councils face in terms of their financial situation and possible re-organisation.
Amendment 3. Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)
Add as new point after point 3 and renumber accordingly:
Regrets the Cabinet Secretary's lack of acknowledgement of the importance of working constructively and maintaining the relationship between the Welsh Government and local authorities.
Amendment. 4 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)
Add as new point at end of motion:
Believes that any proposals for local government reorganisation should aim to strengthen local democracy, integrate health and care, strengthen the Welsh language and offer more effective services to its users.