The WLGA is warning that local services could be at “mortal risk” if further funding to Wales is not forthcoming from Westminster.

Delegates at this week’s WLGA Annual Conference were addressed by the First Minister, Minister for Finance and Local Government, and the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, who all laid bare the mammoth scale of the pressures faced by public services.

The Wales Centre for Public Policy also shared their analysis of the economic outlook for Wales.

Councils are estimated to face £600m to £750m of pressures in 2024-25 alone, due to spiralling inflation and in unrelenting demand for services such as social care.

Councillor Anthony Hunt, WLGA Spokesperson for Finance and Resources said:

“Day in day out, people in all parts of Wales depend on lifeline council services such as social care, education, and housing and homelessness.

“All WLGA members are grateful to the Welsh Government for the close and constructive relationship with local government, and for their candour. We have been left in no doubt that such services are at mortal risk if significant funding to Wales is not forthcoming to Wales.

“Their loss would present a devastating blow to communities at a time when they are most needed amidst the ongoing Cost of Living crisis. People across Wales will ultimately pay the price if the UK government fails to urgently provide funding to the Welsh Government to pass on to local government.”

“All councils in Wales are united in their plea to the UK government: provide the funding that our communities so urgently need.”

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