THE article “Council cuts could be disastrous – Newport Leader” stated that the Welsh Government is having to make cuts in the money it provides to public services because the money it receives from the UK government is being trimmed away.

This needs further comment.

Firstly, there is a block grant from the UK Government to the Welsh Government which is not ring-fenced. It is up to the Welsh Government to decide how to divide up that sum across the range of policy areas.

They could avoid any reduction to local government spending but this would mean that they would have to reduce expenditure elsewhere. The point is they have the option.

Secondly, budgets for local government in England have reduced, but powers have been made available for councils to raise additional funds (eg. New Homes Bonus) and retain more money locally. The Welsh Government has not adopted such policies in Wales.

Thirdly, the Williams Commission into Public Services stated there were ‘at least’ 935 public bodies in Wales. It seems certain that real savings could be made by examining these bodies rather than just going for the easy target of councils.

Nick Webb Allt Yr Yn Road Newport