FINCH-SAUNDERS: Securing real change for our communities

Addressing the annual Welsh Conservative Party Conference in Llangollen, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Local Government, said:

Over the past 5 years it has been a huge privilege to serve as the Assembly Member for Aberconwy and the Shadow Minister for Local Government working alongside my fantastic colleagues in the Welsh Conservative Group under the strong and effective leadership of Andrew RT Davies.

We have all worked hard in holding this tired and failing Welsh Labour Government to account, challenging them week in, week out – and robustly scrutinising them on their now failed “Programme for Government”.

Failing our Welsh Patients and medical staff.

Failing our teachers and pupils.

Failing those who turn the economic levers within our communities – our small, and medium-sized business owners.

And Conference this Welsh Labour Government has failed with Local Government.

The very level of Government that actually resonates most with our communities and the one that delivers our most vital services each and every day.

Local Government reorganisation, a complete shambles – now leaving many facing an uncertain future and our elected members completely baffled at the most disrespectful way in which a map has been produced; that will see the greatest centralisation of services and devolution of power back to the Welsh Government than ever before.

Contrast that with our new Conservative UK Government who in just 10 months haven’t wasted a minute continuing to get to grips with the massive deficit and mess left by Labour in power.

Conservatives in power for us in Wales has seen:

Our pensioners more valued and protected.

Investment in our rail and broadband infrastructure.

Unemployment levels in our constituencies at an all-time low.

And in England a regeneration programme for communities under the localism agenda brought in by the Conservatives in power.

Devolving power back to our communities and those hard working local volunteers we all have in our local communities who fight to keep their community library, village hall and local pub.

2,600 community assets – including 900 pubs – now listed. One hundred and fifty buildings, community centres, local libraries, pubs, all saved from closure and loss. Run by the community; for the community.

Here in Wales Jeremy Corbyn’s mate, Carwyn and his cronies have simply sat back whilst our local services have been stripped away …

… local bus services stopped, our village and community shops, pubs, libraries, public toilets closed down without thought or care for those relying on them.

And at the same time year on year eye watering Council Tax increases.

Yes, Conference.

Under Labour, Council Tax has increased 168%.

Despite funding coming from the UK Government that would have provided us with a Council Tax freeze bringing us in line with all other parts of the UK.

A Welsh Conservative Government Agenda would give local communities and our local heroes the right to bid, the right to challenge and the right to buy.

Regenerating our communities and putting trust in our people.

Carwyn Jones is asking for 5 more years.

5 more years of a sick  and failing health service.

5 more years of failing our children, their parents and pupils.

And 5 more years of failing our communities.

Welsh Labour in power – propped up by the Welsh Lib Dems and their mates Plaid Cymru – have had 17 years to get it right and have failed miserably.

Why on earth would anybody  give them another five years?

Ceidwadwyr Cymreig.

Vote Welsh Conservatives on May 5th.

If you want to secure real change.