Responding to the UK Government’s Autumn Budget, WLGA Leader Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, said: 

“Today’s Budget shows a welcome recognition of the importance of fairness and strong public services. Ending the two-child benefit cap is a significant step forward that will help thousands of families and tackle child poverty. Councils will also welcome the extra £500 million for public services, alongside the £5 billion already announced. 

“The new fiscal flexibilities for Wales are an important development, giving the Welsh Government greater capacity to plan and invest sustainably which will benefit hard-hit local services.  

“Whilst the provisional local government settlement, announced by the Welsh Government this week, provides a degree of stability for council budgets it is still nowhere near enough to addressing the £560m gap faced by local services. 

“We look forward to working closely with Welsh Government to ensure this funding enhances the provisional settlement and supports the vital services our communities rely on.”