But plans need to integrate health and social care to create seamless service
Responding to the Welsh Governmentâs statement on Local Government reform, Plaid Cymru Shadow Cabinet Member for Local Government Sian Gwenllian said:
âPlaid Cymru always called for the retention of the 22 Local Authorities and Iâm glad that the government has now supported this view.
âSo far we have seen Labourâs characteristic dithering on this matter, but Iâm pleased that today the Minister has confirmed that he will perform a U-turn by scrapping Labourâs plans to force unpopular mergers and to maintain the 22 authorities.
âPlaid Cymru wanted to see councils co-operate under a regional model, and to be charged with planning strategically for services, education, transport and the integration of health and social care. However, the governmentâs plans as announced today on integrating Health and Social Care are not clear. Plaid Cymru wants to see them developed further in order to deliver a seamless service for patients.
âThe government also needs to outline where democratic accountability lies within the new system, and much consideration needs to be given to this as the plans progress.â
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