Public Expenditure
17th June 2011
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Local Government Association on the effects of the outcome of the 2010 Spending Review on the delivery of front-line services in Wales; and if she will make a statement.
Mr David Jones: The delivery of local government services is devolved in Wales, and, as such, is a matter for the Welsh Government.
The Welsh Government received a fair settlement in both the comprehensive spending review and the Budget. The reduction in the Welsh Government's budget is smaller than the UK average and the Budget, despite being fiscally neutral, allocated an additional £65 million to the Welsh Government.
Maintaining front-line services across the UK is an important matter, though it is for the Welsh Government to decide how to allocate resources in devolved areas.
In taking forward the localism agenda, the Government are freeing local government in England from central and regional control so that they can ensure services are delivered according to local needs. I hope the Welsh Government will bring the same benefits to the citizens of Wales.
