Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Welsh Local Authorities

15 March 2022 · 6 other contributors · 9,247 words

Opened by Stephen Doughty Labour (Co-op) Cardiff South and Penarth

Responding minister: David Davies

EconomyScotlandLocal Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Stephen Doughty raised concerns about welsh local authorities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Stephen Doughty highlighted that Welsh local authorities received a 9.4% funding uplift from the Welsh Government during the pandemic.
  • The cost of PPE and test and trace in Wales was 533 million, compared to over 1 billion in England.
  • Doughty urged the government to explore innovative models of collaboration in transport, social care, housing, and decarbonisation.

Key requests to Government

Doughty urged the government to reflect on how funds could have been used more productively had the collaborative approach taken in Wales been replicated across England. He also requested that the government nurture collaboration and draw on the relationship with local authorities to explore innovative models of transport, social care, housing, and decarbonisation.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Stephen Doughty Labour (Co-op) Cardiff South and Penarth

Stephen Doughty highlighted the critical role of Welsh local authorities during the pandemic, particularly in test, trace, protect efforts which were more efficient and cheaper compared to England. He mentioned that local government teams in Wales faced substantial financial challenges but received a 9.4% funding uplift from the Welsh Government. The cost of personal protective equipment and test and trace was £533 million in Wales compared to over £1 billion in England, resulting in costs per person being £158 lower in Wales.

Other contributors (6)
  • Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd

    Praises the work of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council in recovery efforts and highlights various projects such as school development, speed reduction schemes, business support, and regeneration projects like Pivotal Pontypridd. Emphasises that local authorities have invested £115 million in town centre projects.

  • Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East

    Discussed the ambitious projects by Swansea City Council, including investments in education, public services, care services, life-saving equipment, apprenticeships, business grants, support for homeless people, and free bus travel. Mentioned the Blue Eden project as a significant renewable energy initiative.

  • Gary Streeter Con South West Devon

    There are five Members who wish to speak in half an hour, so you will have about six minutes each. Expressed welcome for the debate and mentioned his honeymoon in Swansea.

  • Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare

    Mr Jones highlighted the significant support from officers and members of local government during the pandemic, acknowledging the role of Welsh Labour Government in providing free school meals, social care, real living wages for workers, and substantial investment in services. He praised various councils across Wales for their achievements in regeneration, transport, education, recycling, and tackling food poverty.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn

    Praised the work of Newport City Council during the pandemic, highlighting their support for key workers' children, provision for homeless individuals, recycling initiatives, electric buses for public transport, and the 'Stand with Ukraine' rally. Emphasised the council's role in fostering business infrastructure through the western gateway project.

  • Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower

    Antoniazzi praised the Labour-led Swansea Council for its initiatives such as adopting a minimum staff wage of £10 an hour, announcing an extra £35 million in funding for services like schools and social care, introducing free bus travel over school holidays, and investing in playground spaces. She also highlighted the local area co-ordination network's role during the pandemic, with coordinators responding to 20,000 inquiries. Antoniazzi thanked departing council members and expressed pride in working alongside Swansea Council.

Government Response

David Davies

Welcomed contributions from MPs praising council workers, councillors, and projects like Swansea Arena. Emphasised devolution of powers to local authorities for better decision-making in Wales. Highlighted the success of growth deals such as Cardiff Capital Region's Aberthaw Power Station project and Bangor University's digital technology investments. Noted the importance of collaboration between Welsh Government and UK Government for economic recovery and future prosperity.

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