06 November 2007
The Welsh Local Government Association has contested Assembly Government claims today that local government services have been generously funded over recent years.
Reacting to a statement issued by the Welsh Assembly Government earlier today, the WLGA argues that any objective analysis of the Welsh Assembly Government’s draft budget proves that priority has not been given to Welsh local government in recent years.
Cllr Derek Vaughan (Neath Port Talbot), WLGA Leader said:
“Since 2000 the Welsh Assembly Government’s expenditure has increased by 81% but its funding of local services has increased by only 49%. It would be interesting if the Assembly Government highlighted how much the percentage increase in Budgets lines such as health and culture have increased in the same period. Notwithstanding all the problems of comparison it is possible to say that on average each year the real growth in local government dedicated expenditure has been around 1% less than the real growth in Welsh Assembly Government total expenditure.”
Since 2000, the Assembly Government has determined in its funding decisions that spending on local government in Wales has been its lowest priority. This is demonstrated by the funding gap in terms of per pupil spend in Wales and England, now running over £600 per child.
The WLGA is now seeking an honest debate on this historic outcome of devolution, how it impacts as a result of yesterday’s disappointing settlement and the fact that in times of real stress on frontline services the Assembly Government appears to be looking after “its own”.
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For more information contact: Natasha Weeks