Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government – in the Senedd at 1:54 pm on 5 July 2017.
Thank you again. Of course, local authorities spending on central administration is set to rise by £11 million this year, whilst spend on roads and transport will fall by £2.73 million, and on libraries, culture, heritage, sport and recreation by almost £4 million. The Welsh Labour Government have talked the talk on more streamlined local government, but these figures suggest increased bureaucracy and red tape. Years of uncertainty over reform and reorganisation has not helped in the slightest. Cabinet Secretary, can you suggest why these costs are set to rise so dramatically, and will you commit to ensuring that there is solid and responsible budgeting in this area?