Today’s announcement from Mark Drakeford and Adam Price contained a number of measures giving responsibilities to local authorities, including in the areas of land transaction tax and planning.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government, Sam Rowlands MS, said:
“I welcome increased responsibilities and opportunities for local authorities to support their communities, but I do worry this is just a top-down diktat from Labour and Plaid Cymru in Cardiff Bay.
“Many councils, particularly those in North Wales and rural areas, have been underfunded for many years by the Labour Government and struggle to fulfil their essential obligations.
“More powers over second homes and land transaction tax rates for local authorities must be matched by a genuine increase in funding and a real devolution of powers to councils.”