Ahead of today’s Autumn Budget statement by the Chancellor, WLGA’s Finance Spokesperson Councillor Anthony Hunt said:

“Council-run services such as social care, economic development, education and housing are vital for our communities and residents. They are also central to delivering on the new UK Government’s ambitions for the country. But after over a decade of austerity, essential local services are creaking at the seams.

“Rising demand on services and inflation means that next year alone, Welsh councils face funding pressures of £559m next year and another £1bn in the ensuing two years.

“We know that the Chancellor faces an exceptionally challenging set of economic circumstances. Investment in preventative local services can ease pressures on other parts of the public realm, especially health. They can help to create safe and thriving communities and support people’s health and wellbeing. With long term, sustainable funding, councils can contribute even more to delivering on the ambitions of both central governments, and to continue to make a difference in residents’ lives.

“We also ask UK Government to recognise the broader finance issues for Wales including the additional funding required for coal tip safety, and to address the issue of rail investment to enhance our own transport network. Giving the Welsh Government greater flexibility to borrow and use its reserves would help to stimulate the growth which our economy needs.”

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