Written - Local Government Partnership Scheme Annual Report 2007-08

Section 113 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 required the National Assembly for Wales to make a scheme setting out how it proposed, in the exercise of its functions, to sustain and promote local government in Wales. The National Assembly was also required to prepare a report after each financial year of how its proposals in the scheme were implemented in that financial year.

Under transitional provisions in paragraph 45 of schedule 11 to the Government of Wales Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”), responsibility for publishing a report in respect of 2007 – 2008 and laying it before the National Assembly rests with the Welsh Ministers.  I am pleased to present the report to the National Assembly today.  

As a consequence of the formal separation of the Welsh Assembly Government and National Assembly under the 2006 Act, the Welsh Ministers are now responsible for discharging the various duties previously laid on the National Assembly to establish statutory partnership arrangements, including those with local government.

In 2008, we published a new Local Government Partnership Scheme.  The Annual Report for 2007 - 2008 is therefore the final one on implementation of the Local Government Partnership Scheme made by the National Assembly for Wales in 2004.

The ‘One Wales’ agreement sets out a progressive agenda for improving the quality of life of people in all of Wales’ communities, based upon a set of shared values, common goals and joint aspirations.  The Assembly Government’s ambition is to transform Wales into a self-confident, prosperous, healthy nation and society, which is fair to all.  The Assembly Government welcomes local government’s shared commitment to deliver the challenging programme set by ‘One Wales’.

The Partnership Council for Wales has continued to provide an effective forum for direct discussion and joint working between Welsh Ministers and local government representatives in furthering the aims of the Partnership Scheme and our shared policy agenda.  The Partnership Scheme has also provided a framework for frequent and timely consultation and collaboration between the Assembly Government and local government at all levels in taking forward our shared agendas – some examples are given in the report.

The Partnership Scheme has promoted appropriate co-operation and closer understanding between the Assembly Government and the wider local government family.  Together, we are addressing the needs and aspirations of the people of Wales.