Focus on repair is stockpiling problems for future generations (Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Liberal Democrats)

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Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Liberal Democrats <Brian.Thomas@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk>

Focus on repair is stockpiling problems for future generations

November 24, 2008 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

Focusing on repairs rather than building new school buildings, hospitals and houses risks stockpiling huge problems for future generations - that's the warning from Welsh Lib Dem leader Mike German

Speaking ahead of the party's debate on school buildings on Wednesday, Mr German accused the Labour-Plaid government of "mortgaging the future", with a short-sighted, short-term policy.

Mr German said: "The Assembly government's decision to re-profile its spending and focus on repairs rather than building new schools risks perpetuating the problems for another generation. They are mortgaging the future, and failing to take the tough decisions.

"It's not just the condition of school buildings that is going to suffer. Hospitals and housing in particular will also be affected by this short-sighted approach. We won't get the thousands more affordable homes Wales needs on repairs alone.

"The Assembly government says it want to get the building industry back to work, but they're unwilling to put the money in to really make it happen. The budget they have drawn up is not fit for purpose. Our councils should be leading the fightback against the economic downturn - but the Labour-Plaid government have bound its hands by doling out the worst ever local government settlement. How can they invest in school buildings, or new homes, if there is no money there?

"The Assembly's strategic investment fund is the key to giving the Welsh economy, and construction industry in particular, a timely and effective boost.

"The One Wales government has a pledge to create 6,500 new affordable homes - a pledge that cannot be achieved with their current policies.

"We have consistently called on the Labour-Plaid government to restructure their budget. So far, they have refused. But there are still has a couple of weeks to change their final budget for next year. It isn't too late to put Wales on the right track."