Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:44 pm on 20 March 2018.
Thank you for your statement, Cabinet Secretary. I know that you are very well aware of my very deep concerns about the impact of attempting a major restructure of local government during a time of austerity, and can I take this opportunity to remind the Cabinet Secretary that in the last Assembly, Torfaen submitted a proposal for a voluntary merger, which was declined? So, there is absolutely no shortage of willingness to collaborate in Torfaen. I do have some questions. My priority is to get through these years of austerity while trying to secure the best possible public services. Now, we know that services are under stress, but can I ask the Cabinet Secretary: where is the evidence that this is because of structure, rather than the impact of austerity and growing demand, neither of which will be stemmed by reorganisation? Can I ask what the Welsh Government's estimates—? I'm assuming that the Green Paper has been costed. What are the costs of reorganisation, and how will it be paid for, given the current shortage of resources? And would you agree with me, Cabinet Secretary, that the city deals and other joint working show that, with negotiation and perseverance, regional working can, indeed, make an impact?