Sam Rowlands MS was responding to the statement by the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Care Services on ‘Rebalancing Care and Support White Paper – next steps’.
He said he felt there was a big focus within the consultation for local decisions to be maintained and made.
“We have local democracy, a very close level, called local authorities, which are often best placed to make those decisions at a very local level.
“ We have, of course, seen through the pandemic where local authorities have that local knowledge in terms of intelligence and support for the residents—the difference that they can make.
“So, there are clearly some concerns within these proposals that things moving from the local level to region and then after that national level, and the opposite of devolution, which many of us would like to see.
“I'd ask what is it you are going to do to ensure that local authorities with that intelligence and expertise. What is it you are going to do to engage with them and continue their provision meeting their residents at a very local level?”
He added: “Only last month I highlighted the need for more powers and financial support to be devolved by Cardiff to local authorities. Decision making should not be withdrawn from them and given to regional bodies.”
The Minister, Julie Morgan said they were determined the delivery of local services and local knowledge would not be diminished by the proposals.
