Order, Order.

We turn now to a Stage 1 Debate on WB146 in the name of Llafur Cymru. The question is that this Parliament approves the general principle of the Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill.

Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill

A

BILL

TO

Repeal the Local Government (Community Councils) Act 2023.

Having been passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows–

Section 1 - Repealing the Act

(1) The Local Government (Community Councils) Bill 2023 is repealed.

Section 2 - Commencement and Extent

(1) This Act shall come into force immediately after receiving Royal Assent.

(2) This Act may be cited as the Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill 2023.

Proposed by Dyn-Cymru on behalf of Llafur Cymru, and the Welsh Government, this bill is also sponsored by the Welsh Libertarians and PoliticoBailey.

Opening Speech:

Llywydd,

This is something that a lot of the parties in Wales were elected upon, to abolish a system that is ineffective and can only incur greater costs when the local authorities are stretching thiner and thinner.

This government was elected to get rid of yet another layer of bureaucracy and confusion for local governments. Llafur Cymru supports local representation however if it comes at the cost of making the entire system broken then it isn't worth it.

We have seen the inefficiencies of similar councils in England and we should take on these lessons instead of sitting through them again. Wales should lead in example, not follow in failure.

If this bill passes it will be a victory for Wales, ensuring that every one of its representatives, whether it be a Councillor on Cardiff Council or myself as First Minister, works more effectively than before.

Therefore Llywydd, if the Senedd supports an effective governance system and one that works for the people of Wales, they should support this bill.

Diolch.

Debate on this bill will end on Monday 25th of September 10pm GMT