Jessica Luper 10 July 2015

Councils and unions push for new Welsh funding deal

Councils and trade unions have demanded fairer funding for Wales, amid fears of significant job losses and service cutbacks.

Major reductions have forced Welsh councils to slash spending by £720m since 2010, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) claims.

Unions and council leaders have now lobbied for an improved funding deal in Parliament, warning Welsh MPs that thousands of council jobs could be lost if cuts continue.

Members highlighted that the reduction in block grant funding from Westminster since 2010 meant the Welsh Government’s budget is now £1.5bn less than five years ago.

Cllr Peter Rees, deputy leader of Neath Port Talbot Council and the WLGA’s workforce spokesperson, said: ‘Local councils have borne the brunt of the Westminster Government’s austerity programme to date. There has been a huge impact on local government services and the loss of thousands of jobs has hit local economies hard, especially in areas where the council is the major employer.’

Unison Wales head of local government Dominic MacAskill said: ‘Five years of austerity have already inflicted long-term damage on both Welsh communities and our country’s economy.

‘Successive cuts to local government spending in Wales are having a dramatic impact on an essential range of services that play a vital, preventative role in the health and well-being of the people we serve.

‘Cuts to council budgets mean less money for services to support vulnerable people, which is a false economy.’

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner