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IMPROVING PUBLIC SERVICES FOR ALL OF WALES’ CITIZENS
Edwina Hart said today that whether or not Wales gets further powers as a result of the All Wales Convention’s report and a referendum, devolution should go much further than Cardiff Bay.
“Whatever happens as a result of the All Wales Convention, the Assembly will continue to acquire powers through the 2006 Government of Wales Act and we have to think very carefully how this affects other public service bodies. As the devolution process continues public services cannot exist in hermetically sealed isolation,” she said.
“As well as protecting local government democracy from arbitrary decisions by review bodies or deliberate undermining by Labour’s political opponents, there also has to be a two way flow of decision making between local authorities and the Welsh Assembly Government.
“While it’s important that we focus on core requirements, we should also give councils greater freedom to take decisions on other local matters. That’s the quid pro quo which grown up government requires. I shall be watching very closely, for example, to see how my policy of transferring responsibility for primary and community health services in Powys to the County Council is working.
"I am already working on ideas which would allow local authorities in Wales to resume a role in social housing and the building of affordable housing, particularly for young people.
“We have to make better use of the considerable talent which exists within our public sector bodies. I would like to see fewer boundaries when it comes to staffing, so that job swaps – to put it simply – can take place where it would be clearly to the advantage of all concerned.
“We mustn’t forget about town or community councils which are often the first port of call for many people with a problem or an issue. If I become First Minister I will look for ways of encouraging and supporting these councils, particularly where there is clear evidence that they were established in response to strong public demand.
“The priority in all this is the delivery of services. I am not in favour of reorganising local government for its own sake. Where an authority can demonstrate success the case for change will be weak. However where failure is persistent or endemic, will it be impossible to resist.”
5 November 2009
