NDM8838 Welsh Conservatives Debate - Local government finance

NDM8838 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Recognises the crucial role that councils play in delivering local public services and the funding challenges they face.

2. Notes that councils hold over £2 billion in usable reserves.

3. Regrets that the proposed average council tax rise in Wales for 2025-2026 financial year is 7.36 per cent.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) commission an independent review of the Welsh local government funding formula;

b) work with councils to use their usable reserves to keep council tax as low as possible;

c) require any council proposing a council tax rise of 5 per cent or more to hold a local referendum and obtain a yes vote before implementing the proposed rise;

d) reduce the bureaucracy of Welsh local government to make it more efficient;

e) coordinate with councils to ensure cross-council working and the sharing of resources and services, along with an increase in digitalisation where possible, to ensure efficient delivery of services and to cut costs; and

f) work with local government to develop a business-like culture to ensure effective use of tax-payer funding, whilst cutting waste and reducing spend on vanity projects.