The decision of Labour Assembly Members to support the general principles of the Welsh Government’s Local Government and Elections (Wales) Bill has been slammed by Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, as “reckless prioritising” during this ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
The Member expressed her serious concerns as part of her speech during the debate this afternoon (8/04/2020). Whilst acknowledging that the Bill has some positive aspects, she provided a clear message that it seems irresponsible for the Welsh Government to be considering a Bill which is set to cost around £17.17million to tax payers.
After contributing to the debate, Janet said:
“We are in the middle of a global health crisis, so I am astounded that the Welsh Government has decided that precious plenary time had to be designated to a non-urgent piece of legislation today.
“I am honest, so will state that I welcome some provisions of the Bill, such as measures that enable local authorities to develop petition schemes, see employees such as teachers elected, and pursue voluntary mergers.
“However, these are not issue we need to be discussing during the greatest health crisis this devolved administration has ever seen.
“As you know, the Welsh Government, Local Government, and public sector response to COVID-19 is putting considerable strain on financial resources.
“Bearing in mind that the cost of COVID-19 to the public sector will not be known until after the pandemic has passed, it seems irresponsible for the Welsh Government to be pursuing a Bill which is set to cost around £17.17million to tax payers.
“To make matters worse, there will be transitional costs to local government of approximately £2.95m.
“Clearly, what we have seen today is reckless prioritising by the Welsh Government”.
