Welsh Govt 'shielded councils from full force of cuts'

I acknowledge this is an extremely challenging settlement for Local Government in Wales, which reflects the unprecedented, challenging financial context we are operating within. The persistent pressure on our budget from the UK Coalition Government has forced us to make some difficult choices.

I could not have been clearer about the future financial reality facing Local Government in Wales and I have provided warning of the likely shape of budget reductions.

For the last three years, the Welsh Government has shielded Local Government from the full force of the cuts to allow them to prepare for the transformational change necessary to maintain vital local services, whilst limiting any additional financial pressure on hard-pressed households.

The focus must be on intensifying efforts to maintain quality services which deliver strong outcomes through more efficient, innovative and collaborative ways of working.