Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:39 pm on 4 October 2022.
Thank you so much, Deputy Presiding Officer. Minister, could I ask for a statement from the Minister for Finance and Local Government about ensuring transparency and accountability in local authorities? A bit of background to the reason why I'm asking this question is because, within the Ynysddu ward in Caerphilly, there are two toxic quarries, called Tŷ Llwyd, which are seeping toxins past people's houses. In May 2022, the Ynysddu ward was won by two independent candidates, Councillors Janine Reed and Jan Jones, on a promise to reinstate the Tŷ Llwyd quarry committee, consisting of council cabinet members, local councillors and residents. The local leader of Caerphilly council agreed to visit the site, but refused to allow the local representatives to accompany him on the visit. On the day of the visit, Councillors Reed and Jones, together with local residents, were again refused permission to accompany the council leader on the visit. So, can we have a statement from the Minister on how the Welsh Government is ensuring accountability and transparency in local government in Wales? Also, what guidelines are in place to protect the rights of councillors from minority groupings? And what can be done to stop Welsh Labour council leaders trying to shut down debate by gagging the opposition? Thank you.