Building on 30 years of Welsh local government
Every so often, there is a moment when we have an opportunity to step back, look at how we do things and ask what we could achieve by working differently.
I believe Wales is at one of those moments now.
The new Senedd term brings a new Welsh Government, and a new Prime Minister in Downing Street with a determination to rewire the state and devolve power closer to the people.
So, we have a unique opportunity in Wales to strengthen the relationship between administrations at all levels.
The WLGA’s annual conference, in Swansea in September, was a prime opportunity to start that conversation.
One of the most important moments of the conference was the renewal of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Welsh Government and local government. The agreement sets out key principles of how we can work together, based on trust, respect and early engagement.
That matters. Councils are closest to the communities they serve. We understand the places we represent and the services people rely on every day.
Bringing that local knowledge into national decision-making early can help us develop policies that work in practice and deliver better outcomes – and the inclusive growth that national governments seek.
But if we are going to build a stronger partnership, we also need people to understand just how much local government contributes to Welsh life.
That is the thinking behind our Councils Deliver More Than You Think campaign, launched to mark 30 years since Wales’ 22 unitary authorities were established, alongside the WLGA.
Most people can name a few council services: bins, roads, parks, schools and libraries probably come to mind.
But councils across Wales deliver more than 700 services. Our workers are stars in our communities – they protect vulnerable children, support older people, help families facing homelessness, check food safety, protect the environment, support local economies and plan for the future of our communities.
Much of that work happens quietly. When services work well, people may not notice them at all. That does not make them less important. It means they are woven into everyday life.
Our 30th anniversary is, therefore, about more than looking back. It is about helping people see the full picture of local government and recognising the people who deliver these services every day, many of whom live in the same communities they serve.
That is particularly important as we look to the future.
The new Welsh Government’s Programme for Government sets out ambitions around health and care, education, tackling poverty and growing our economy.
The WLGA’s manifesto for the Senedd election in May set out the collective priorities for Welsh councils. Councils will be essential partners if both governments are to turn their ambitions into reality.
We should be ambitious about what partnership can achieve, with public services at all levels working together, in social partnership.
There will always be challenges, but I am optimistic about what we can achieve when we combine national ambition with local knowledge.
The next chapter for Welsh local government should be about building on what works, trying new things and making sure councils can continue to make a positive difference in every community.
- Find out more about the work of the WLGA.