Motion NDM6707 Paul Davies

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that the Welsh Government Green Paper—Strengthening Local Government: Delivering for People—is the third proposal in three years put forward by the Welsh Government on local government reform.

2. Further notes that local authorities were working towards regional arrangements put forward under the Cabinet Secretary Local Government and Public Service’s predecessor.

3. Regrets that the latest proposal has caused sustained periods of uncertainty for councils and their frontline staff.

4. Is concerned by the continual top-down nature of Welsh local government reform, as shown by the lack of meaningful engagement with council leaders and Chief Executives in the preparation of this paper, as well as the absence of strategic cost and benefit analysis taken on all previous local government reform proposals.