The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has warned a return to austerity would be ‘devastating for our communities’ following budget warnings from the devolved Government.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the Welsh Government faced the ‘toughest financial situation since devolution’.
Mr Drakeford added the Welsh cabinet would be ‘working over the summer to mitigate these budgetary pressures based on our principles, which include protecting frontline public services, as far as possible, and targeting support towards those at greatest need’.
The WLGA has estimated a budget gap up of between £330m and £480m next year.
Leader Andrew Morgan said: ‘Despite the Welsh Government providing good funding settlements, the impact of inflation, together with pay pressures and increased service demand, is producing serious pressures across local government services.
‘We are also worried about the implications for next year and in the medium-term. A return to austerity would be devastating for our communities.’
This article was originally published by The MJ (£).
