NDM7018 Welsh Conservatives debate - Local Government Funding

NDM7018 Welsh Conservatives debate - Local Government Funding

NDM7018 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the important role played by local authorities in delivering public services across Wales.

2. Acknowledges the funding challenges currently faced by Welsh local authorities.

3. Notes that Welsh council taxpayers currently pay a higher proportion of their income on council tax than in England or Scotland.

4. Regrets that

a) the level of council tax in Wales has trebled since the formation of the National Assembly for Wales in 1999; and

b) the level of council tax in Wales has risen at a faster rate than in England and Scotland.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to commission an independent review of the Welsh local government funding formula.

 

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete all after point 2 and insert:

Notes that council tax levels for band D properties in Wales are on average lower than those in England.

Recognises that the funding formula for Welsh local authorities is reviewed annually through a partnership between Welsh local government and Welsh Government.

 

[If amendment 1 is agreed, amendments 2 and 3 will be de-selected] 

Amendment 2 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete point 4.

Amendment 3 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete point 5 and replace with:

Calls on the Welsh Government to consult on a long-term funding settlement for local government which would allow for longer term planning for local government.

Amendment 4 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Recognises that council taxes have risen due to austerity implemented by Westminster and lack of priority for local government by the Welsh Government when formulating the budget.

Amendment 5 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Recognises the important link between NHS and local government in the delivery of services.

Amendment 6 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to reduce the number of hypothecated grants in order to allow for greater flexibility on spending of grants by local government.

 

Business type: Debate

Reason considered: Senedd Business;

Status: Complete

First published: 09/06/2021

Decision due: 27 Mar 2019 by Plenary - Fifth Senedd