SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, calls on the Welsh Government to look at fairer funding for local services in North Wales.
Mr Rowlands, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance has hit out at the draft Welsh Local Government settlement for 2025/26.
Mr Rowlands said: “I was really disappointed to hear the proposed funding settlement for local councils. Two thirds of North Wales councils are set to receive below average increases to their funding settlements, with councils in South Wales receiving more investment. Undoubtedly this will mean local ratepayers will face significant Council Tax increases, whilst seeing much valued local services cut.
“North Wales Council Leaders have expressed their concern over the draft settlement and I echo their sentiments. Local authorities, which fund social care, schools, bin collections, libraries and other services, continue to face rising demands for services.
“We are also still waiting for some clarity from the Welsh Labour Government about whether the increase costs incurred through the Chancellor’s National Insurance rise will hit council budgets directly.
“I would urge the Welsh Government to take another look at what they are proposing and make sure that North Wales isn’t overlooked.”
The settlement determines the money Wales’ 22 local authorities will receive to fund core services for the next year.
The draft settlement shows that councils in North Wales are set to receive an average funding increase of 3.8%, whilst councils in South Wales can expect an extra 4.5%.
