WLGA Annual Conference polititical debate "you got the powers, now what do you want to do with them"
23 June 2011
WLGA Annual Conference 2011
Following the Minister for Local Government’s address to conference delegates earlier today a debate followed with representatives from the opposition.
The political debate titled “you got the powers, now what do you want to do with them?” included panel representatives:
- Janet Finch Saunders, Shadow Minister for Social Services
- Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Spokesperson for Local Government
- Kirsty Williams, Liberal Democrat Party Leader
Each of the panellists shared their priorities for improving public services.
Highlights included:
Janet Finch Saunders, Shadow Minister for Social Services (former Conwy Councillor):
“Local and Welsh Government need to tackle the challenges head on with optimism and find new ways of working.”
“The Conservative Party do not support the merging of Welsh Councils, it is not always about money. We need to look across boundaries, modernise procurement and work collaboratively across the police, voluntary and private sectors.”
“There needs to be a team approach at all levels, between local government and the Welsh Government and between Welsh Government and Westminster.”
“Local government, councillors and officers are more than capable of addressing the challenges.”
Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Spokesperson for Local Government
Addressing the issue of cuts in public finances, Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: “I think the UK coalition cuts are too deep and too quick and this is going to have a major impact on providers of services and citizens across Wales.”
“The local government and Welsh Government relationship is very important. With regards to the Minister’s view of the future of local government in Wales (presented earlier today at conference) Plaid do not feel it is wise or possible to force collaboration on Welsh councils.“
"Whilst cuts and change is inevitable, our emphasise must be protecting the most vulnerable together as partners and across sectors."
“There is not one solution for all situations. Welsh Government needs to listen to local government about what is happening in local communities. An effective relationship between local and Welsh Government is vital."
Addressing the issue of Education provision Rhodri Glyn Thomas showed full support for existing Local Education Authorities saying they do a “good and vital job. If the Education Minister talks of directly funding school this would not be good, especially for rural schools.”
Kirsty Williams, Liberal Democrat Party Leader
“There needs to be reduced ring fencing of funding from central Government. 15% of current Welsh local government funding is dictated centrally.”
Kirsty paid tribute to the wok of the WLGA and it’s ability to defend local government and public services and the quality of the WLGA leadership under Cllr John Davies.
She said: “Local Government is the frontline in the delivery of public services and we need further devolution to local people. Local authorities are key mechanism to improve local areas and we need to give them more powers. Welsh Government needs to explain how it will get rid of the restraints on local authorities not the menacing message delivered by Local Government Minister earlier today.”
“I welcome the Minister’s approach to partnerships but he had missed an opportunity to go further. Many partnerships are a burden on local government and those which are ineffective need to be scrapped.”
Kirsty also called for a change in approach to local government inspection with a greater focus on outcomes saying “cost is an issue.”
Addressing the topical issue of local government reorganisation Kirsty said:
“There has been too much focus on restructuring local government with powers rushed through to merge local authorities which was a scandal, undemocratic and should be repealed. If the Minister thinks the current structures are wrong, then he should do something about it but there needs to be a transparent debate.”
Kirsty emphasised that service integration is what delivers greater improvement
Supporting what Cllr John Davies, WLGA Leader said in his earlier speech to conference regarding the future delivery of public services being a two way street between Local and Welsh Government, Kirsty said: "Welsh Government needs to be clear of its expectations of local government.”
Ends