It is convenient to forget why the UK was required to adopt Austerity measures. (Andrew Ranger - 30/07/19 Wrexham Leader) The preceding Labour Government left the Country virtually bankrupt!
It is easy for Welsh Labour Government to shift their failings under their devolved powers to the Conservatives in Westminster. The 'current administration' is the Welsh Labour Government (WLG) who has responsibility for Substance Misuse, Homelessness, NHS Wales, Housing and Local Government Funding allocation. For every £1 spent on public services in England, Wales receives £1.20 - 20% more. How this is spent is decided upon by the WLG.
Just six months ago, WLG signed a fiscal framework agreement to provide fair funding for public services in Wales, for the long term. Success you might think! However Jeremy Corbyn now wants to rip it up in favour of un-costed promises.
Since 2009-10 WLG spending on public services has declined by 10%. That is why services have been cut and they knowingly are shifting the responsibility for paying for local services from national funding to the local Council Tax payer ie. green bin charges and something WCBC have thankfully avoided, unprecedented council tax hikes. However let us see how long it will be before the Welsh Rates of Income Tax become yet another cash-cow for Labour in Cardiff. It is now more important than ever for Wrexham to have a strong representation in Westminster, to ensure that any post-Brexit funding commitment given to Wales is distributed and spent wisely.
Why is the money, given to WLG by Westminster, not being spent on what it is designed for?
Sarah Atherton
Prospective Parliamentary Conservative Candidate for Wrexham