Welsh Government
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Minister outlines way forward for Local Government
Minister for Public Services, Leighton Andrews yesterday outlined how he will take forward plans to create modern and effective Local Government in Wales
The Minister told Assembly Members the Welsh Government's aim is to bring about fundamental and lasting change with new voluntarily merged authorities in place by April 2018.
Leighton Andrews said:
"The analysis of public services in Wales compiled by the Commission on Public Service Governance and Delivery is sobering and provides a compelling case for change.
"In addition, we know the problems facing local authorities in Wales are likely to be compounded by the worsening financial situation and increased demand for services.
"While the Welsh Government has protect local authorities from the worst of the UK Government's spending cuts in recent years and the average band D council tax bill in 2014-15 here is £193 lower than in England, continuing to provide services in the current configuration, salami-slicing more efficiencies and cutting services in isolation is not sustainable.
"We cannot continue to operate with 22 local authorities. There will be change, voluntary or not, and I am offering a unique opportunity to those who are willing.
"I want local authorities themselves to make fundamental and lasting change to create modern and effective Local Government in Wales.
"I hope they seize this opportunity since those who agree to merge voluntarily will determine their own future and will not face elections until May 2018.
"Local authorities who wish to end uncertainty for their staff and the wider public should urgently consider how best they can come together with neighbouring authorities to deliver services on a more strategic basis.
"I will say more about funds to incentivise voluntary mergers after the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2015-16 is announced next month.
"I value frontline local authority services and the thousands of public service workers who deliver those services. Later this year will bring forward proposals for a Staff Commission to help them during the transition.
"I do not underestimate the scale of the challenge ahead or suggest this can be done overnight. The task is significant and I look forward to a constructive and engaged response from Local Government
Links
Devolution, Democracy and Delivery White Paper – Reforming Local GovernmentReforming Local Government
