Cllr Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Local Government today questioned the Minister on the Welsh Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in Local Government. Janet said:
"The Localism Act - which was granted Royal Assent in 2011 – has numerous measures in place to boost accountability and transparency in local government in England. Measures that form part of the Localism agenda include an onus on Local Authorities to publish all expenditure over £500, instigate local referenda for council tax rises of over 3.5% and compel developers to approach councils before submitting large planning applications.
"Unfortunately, the Minister and the Welsh Government appears reluctant to incorporate some of the provisions of the Act on accountability and transparency here in Wales. I urge the Minister to review their position so that the people of Wales have greater transparency and accountability across local government."