Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, has called for major reform in Local Government funding in Wales.

She highlighted the concern of some Welsh councils having large reserves while others struggle.

The proposed council tax rise for 2025-2026 is 7.36%, but Conwy County Borough Council  is increasing theirs by 8.95%.

Janet and the Welsh Conservatives are urging for an independent review of the funding formula, using reserves to keep council tax low, and requiring referendums for any tax increase of 5% or more.

They believe the current system is unfair and in need of fundamental reform.

Mrs. Finch-Saunders said: “It is completely wrong for authorities like Cardiff to be stockpiling over £180 million in reserves, whilst several local authorities, including Conwy are on their knees.

“Money is being unfairly distributed, with residents facing significant increases of their council tax bills, while experiencing cuts to their already strained public services.

“It is frustrating how the Welsh Government has handled the funding formula.  The current one is over 20 years old, which results in a substantial funding gap between Conwy and Denbighshire every year.

“It is clear that the current system is not working, and we need fundamental reform of local government funding in Wales. We need a new funding formula, one that ensures a fairer distribution of resources so that councils, particularly in the North are not left behind.”