7. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the proposed general power of competence for local authorities in Wales? OAQ(5)0086(FLG)

Llywydd, there was widespread support for a general power of competence for local authorities in Wales when the previous Government consulted on the draft Local Government (Wales) Bill. It remains a key part of our plans for reform, as set out in the White Paper published on 31 January.

Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for that response? It’s been called for by local authorities for at least 30 years. Can the Cabinet Secretary explain how it will benefit local authorities, and confirm it does away with the need to prove surplus capacity in order to sell goods and services to the private sector?

Well, Llywydd, the general power of competence is a power of the first resort. It allows local authorities to carry out things for the benefit of their local populations without needing to find the specific power that allows them to do that. It is a general power, of course, designed to give local authorities more freedom within the law, not freedom from the law.

And, finally, question 8—Caroline Jones.