5. Debate: The Local Government Settlement 2023-24

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:58 pm on 7 March 2023.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 4:58, 7 March 2023

I have to say, I agree with my colleague Mike Hedges over there that there has to be more transparency in the way that this budget is put across. Now, whether you like it or not in this Chamber—there aren't many Members here to actually remind them—it is as a result of the UK Government's autumn budget that the Welsh Government will receive an additional £1.2 billion over the next two years. This comes after an autumn budget in 2021 that pledged £18 billion a year for Wales, the largest annual funding settlement for Wales since devolution began. 

Now, for me in Aberconwy, it's vital that our rural communities are given the support they need. It was very disappointing last week that Conwy County Borough Council had to raise their council tax precept by 9.9 per cent, and they actually put it down—. One of the excuses was—and it has Plaid Cymru, Labour and independent members leading it—they put it down to them not receiving their fair share from this Welsh Government.