Written - Local Government Partnership Scheme - Publication of Annual Report 2009-10

Section 73 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 requires Welsh Ministers to make a scheme setting out how they propose, in the exercise of their functions, to sustain and promote local government in Wales. Welsh Ministers are also required to prepare a report after each financial year of how the proposals set out in the local government partnership scheme were implemented in the previous financial year.  Local Government includes County and County Borough Councils, Community and Town councils, fire and rescue authorities and national park authorities.

I am very pleased to present the report to the National Assembly today.

The Local Government Partnership Council for Wales continues to provide an effective forum for direct discussion and joint working between Welsh Ministers and local government representatives in fostering the aims of the Scheme.  The Scheme has also provided a framework for frequent and timely consultation and collaboration between the Assembly Government and local government at all levels and how, under the recently adopted new approach to their meetings, taking forward shared agenda items.

Our signing of the “New Understanding” in November last year provided an excellent foundation for making progress and the document describes the roles and responsibilities of the Assembly and local government.  It restates that One Wales sets out the Assembly Governments national priorities and explains how they can be further described in 19 strategic statements.  It recognises the need for local freedom and flexibility in service delivery but also that, sometimes, the best public service response might be at national or local level.  In other cases, services might be more effectively delivered through new or innovative groupings of authorities and partners.  The test must be what is best to deliver better services for the citizens and communities. 

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