7. 6. Statement: Local Government Reform

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:21 pm on 18 July 2017.

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Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour 5:21, 18 July 2017

Diolch, Llywydd. Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement this afternoon? Obviously, I support the comments of my colleagues as far as electoral reform is concerned. And, by the way, electronic voting: you might want to look at what goes on in Estonia, which will tell you about that.

But hidden away in your statement, actually, was a very important aspect for me, and that is the possible change of boundaries for all local health boards, particularly in relation to Bridgend County Borough Council. Now, that might affect Bridgend County Borough Council, but it also affects many of my constituents because the river Afan is an artificial boundary used by ambulance services: those to the east go to Princess of Wales; those to the west go to Morriston. And, therefore, many of my constituents use the services at Princess of Wales and within that area. Now, barriers should not be presented by boundaries; I accept that. But many of my residents will want to be reassured that the services they currently have will not be impacted upon, and that they will continue to receive the same type of service. So, in your consultation, which you intend to carry out, can you present the case as to how those services will be maintained, so constituents within Port Talbot and Aberafan will not be affected by any change?