Llyr Gruffydd: Diolch yn fawr iawn, Llywydd. Minister, the Barnett formula all too often ends up being a rather convenient reason, some would say, for the Welsh Government to delay implementing transformative policies. The most recent case in point, maybe, relates to public sector pay here in Wales. Because we do know that, very often, the lack of action in England leaves Welsh Ministers sitting on their...
Llyr Gruffydd: I'm not sure any of us would relish having to run through those processes, to be honest, because I fear that we maybe know what the outcome might be. But there we are; we won't go there. Really, it sounded a little bit as if you were making excuses for Barnett earlier on in your answer, but we know that by placing relative need first and foremost within the arrangement, we'd then be able to...
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you very much for that. The question that I'm asking here is who is driving that work of reviving the economy. What is the focal point that draws together what feels like a plethora of bodies and projects and programmes and strategies into one strategic, co-ordinated package. Where's the wider strategy and who is responsible for that? In the past, the Development Board for Rural Wales...
Llyr Gruffydd: The clocks have gone forward and spring is facing us. That's a cause of joy, and it raises the spirits of many of us. It's the start of the traditional tourism season, and of course that brings all sorts of opportunities and benefits to large parts of Wales. But there are some communities where this time of the year does mean the beginning of parking difficulties, littering, illegal camping,...
Llyr Gruffydd: 6. Will the Minister make a statement on the funding of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service? OQ59362
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you for that explanation. Of course, the employer settlement of the fire services throughout England and Wales with the Fire Brigades Union will increase the funding deficit in the north Wales fire authority to £2.4 million. It's hard to believe that the agreement was struck without any additional money on the table from the Government in London. Bridging the financial gap will mean...
Llyr Gruffydd: Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. Now, I certainly welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate and I think, at the start of a new financial year, it's right that we take the opportunity, I think, to reflect on the current state of local authority finances and the resulting implications for council taxes. And the reality is that an average rise of 5.5 per cent in council tax across Wales for...
Llyr Gruffydd: Well, okay, you made the point, but what I would say is that devolution is all about allowing this place to make its own decisions, and, similarly, devolution to local government is about allowing them to make their own decisions as well—
Llyr Gruffydd: Okay, very briefly.
Llyr Gruffydd: Sorry, no. [Interruption.] Look, I'm not going to quarrel with you. Sit down, because I've allowed you to intervene.
Llyr Gruffydd: There we are. Okay, thank you. So, I think it is worth noting the extent of these pressures on local authority finances. And yes, there are challenges, clearly, but you can't absolve yourself from being part of that. [Interruption.]
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you, Dirpwy Lywydd. The WLGA, as we know, has quantified much of these budgetary pressures on Welsh councils. They've talked about figures in excess of £0.5 billion for next year on top of a £0.25 billion this year. You can do the maths. We know the situation and the challenges facing authorities in my region— Gwynedd, Conwy, Flintshire—and all Members here will be more than...
Llyr Gruffydd: Will you take an intervention?
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you. Do you accept that these councils are facing a huge dilemma of either decimating the public services that they provide, leaving vulnerable people at the mercy of God knows what, or increasing council taxes? So, are you saying, in opposing the increase, that you, as a Conservative, would actually advocate the annihilation of services?
Llyr Gruffydd: Well, are you condoning cutting the services—[Inaudible.]
