White Paper on Local Government Reform

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:59 pm on 13 March 2018.

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Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour 1:59, 13 March 2018

(Translated)

Well, as a former councillor, before I came to this place, I know how important local government is and the work that members carry out locally to represent their communities. But may I say, one thing that hasn't changed is that the status quo cannot continue? Secondly, it's vital to ensure that regional collaboration still happens. That has made a huge difference to education, for example, where we've seen the action taken in terms of learners improving very much in past years. But there is an argument, of course, to be had as regards what the way forward should be in the future. We can't stand still, and that is what the debate will be over the next few months, that is, what is the best way forward. And, of course, it's open to Members to give their views on that.