13 November 2007
The WLGA received a fair hearing at this morning’s Assembly Finance Committee, where it presented evidence raising grave concerns over the potential ‘bonfire of front-line services’ following the Assembly Government’s draft Budget.
Cllr Derek Vaughan (Neath Port Talbot), WLGA Leader said:
“The Finance Committee was receptive to many of our concerns. There have been comments that this budget lacks transparency and is particularly complex and we were able to bring stark clarity to what is in reality a ‘cuts and council tax’ budget. The facts are that key front-line services in our communities are not viewed as a priority by the Assembly Government.”
“It is vital therefore that Assembly Members consider what this budget will really mean for the key day-to-day front-line services in their communities: schools, the state of roads, social care for the most vulnerable, refuse collection and recycling, a clean local environment; those issues that were raised most often on the door-steps during May’s Assembly elections. It is these services that will be hardest hit by this budget.”
“We now need an urgent discussion about the prospects raised by Ministers and highlighted by the Committee that more money for local government might be available in the health budget. In light of the paucity of resource in the local government RSG any additional funding for social services would be welcome.”
- Transcript of Steve Thomas, WLGA Chief Executive’s opening statement to the Finance Committee is available at www.wlga.gov.uk
- WLGA Evidence to Finance Committee available at: http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-committees/bus-committees-third-assem/bus-committees-third-fin-home/bus-committees-third-fin-agendas.htm?act=dis&id=65069&ds=11/2007
Ends
For more information contact: Natasha Weeks