Labour’s forced council merger figures condemned
Labour’s claims of financial savings from their forced council mergers across Wales have been labelled ‘more empty promises’ by Welsh Conservatives.
The Shadow Minister for Local Government has questioned Labour’s figure of 650 million – published today – and reaffirmed calls for local people to have a say in the process.
Janet Finch-Saunders AM said:
“More empty promises from a Labour minister who appears to have plucked a figure out of thin air.
“We heard similar rhetoric ahead of Labour’s last NHS reorganisation, which led to huge deficits and unprecedented pressure on frontline staff.
“Communities will rightly question whether these figures can be trusted and it’s local people who continue to be ignored by Labour.
“Welsh Conservative plans would put power back in to local hands, ensuring any merger is put to residents via a referendum.
“We have long opposed Labour’s marker-pen assault on Welsh communities.
“Where councils can work together, share services and save money, they have the backing and support of Welsh Conservatives – but only with the consent of local people.”
