Thursday, September 15th, 2011

Plaid calls on Labour to come clean on future of local government

Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Local Government, Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM, has called on the Labour Welsh Government to ‘come clean’ on its agenda for the future of local councils following the Minister stating he was ‘profoundly disappointed’ by Conwy County Council’s appointment of a new Chief Executive.

The statement by Local Government Minister, Carl Sergeant AM, is the second attack by the Labour government on a local authority via the media. Plaid Cymru said that local authority trust in national government is haemorrhaging and action needs to be taken urgently.

Plaid Cymru’s local government spokesperson, Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM, said:

“This is the latest example of megaphone diplomacy from the Welsh Government and is exactly what happens when councils feel they have not been given clear direction. The Minister sends out a message – but the decision is still very much up to the council to make. Councils can only make a decision on what they believe to be the best interests of their area.

“The Welsh Government is trying to engineer a situation where councils are working together far more – but it is not fair to expect councils themselves to drive that agenda. If the minister believes that there should be fewer local authorities, then he should show some leadership and make recommendations for re-organisation openly and honestly.

“The Minister’s comments raise serious questions about the agenda this Labour Government is pursuing. Whilst the intention to save money and share best practice across authority boundaries is an honourable intention, it appears the Labour Welsh Government is only willing to criticise actions of non-Labour-controlled councils. Labour-run Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has not faced the same criticism from the Minister for its appointment of a new Education Director with an increase of £21,000 on an already high salary.

“Dialogue and cooperation between national and local government is urgently needed. The Welsh Government must come clean on its preferred model for local authorities in Wales to stop any further haemorrhaging of trust in its perceived intentions”.

ENDS

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