03 October 2005
Local government in Wales is changing. The 2004 elections saw a shift in the political balance of a number of councils. These shifts have been reflected in a radically different style of political leadership at a national level, through the Welsh Local Government Association. The new leaders of the Association have laid the foundations for a positive future for local government. We recognise that radical change is needed to command the trust and respect of our communities.
A new environment is emerging in Wales, which presents clear choices, and challenges. The opportunities are there for the taking. The WLGA welcomes the national debate about what the public wants from its public sector. Councils are prepared to rise to the challenge this poses, including the need to look again at the traditional organisational boundaries for delivering services.
The Manifesto identifies the key issues that local councils will focus on until the 2008 elections and beyond. It contains ambitious and innovative plans for the continuing improvement of local communities. This is a Manifesto not only for the WLGA but for the whole of local government and our aim is that it will steer and shape a debate within our membership and with all our partners.