Responsibility for effective delivery of services rests with local authorities. Local authorities must consider how they can best use their resources and work with others to deliver longer term efficiencies so that they can continue to deliver services to their citizens.    

The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 requires public bodies to think and act differently, putting collaboration at the heart of how they work. This includes, but extends far beyond, their work on public services boards.

I will be making a statement on the future of local government on 17 July.

I expect all local authorities to work closely with each other, as well as other public sector bodies. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 requires us to think about the long term, work better with people, communities and each other, look to prevent problems, and take a more joined-up approach.

Local authorities and local health boards are both statutory members of public services boards, and have a joint responsibility to work together to improve the wellbeing of their areas.

I will be making a statement on the future of local government on 17 July.

Local authorities are able to charge for services where there is statutory provision to allow it. Fees should be used to deliver quality services whilst providing value for the local taxpayer.   

I am reviewing the  governance and finance arrangements for fire and rescue authorities to improve their accountability to communities. I will consult on our plans in the autumn.