Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has expressed concerns over comments made by the Leader of Denbighshire County Council earlier this week.

In a letter to local councillors, Council Leader, Cllr Jason McLellan, said his main priority was avoiding bankruptcy, and advised that the Local Authority is looking at increasing council tax as well as service and job cuts due to rising costs and demand for services.

Speaking in the Welsh Parliament this week, Darren said:

“Minister, it's very clear that the comments from the leader of Denbighshire council were unwise, unhelpful, alarmist and have stoked some fear amongst the local population about what their council tax might look like next year. In fact, these comments appear to me to be nothing more than paving the way for another huge and inflation-busting council tax increase for local residents.

“So, can I ask you: will you do the sensible thing, as is the case in England, and set a clear cap on council tax for next year so that excessive increases can be the subject of a local referendum? I think local people deserve a say on these matters, and I think it's wrong that they haven't had one in the past.”

Commenting afterwards, Darren said:

“I am deeply concerned that residents of Denbighshire could be facing a huge increase in council tax next year. It is the last thing they need when trying to deal with cost of living pressures and it is only right that local people should have their say via a local referendum.”

Watch Darren’s contribution in the Welsh Parliament below: