Thank you, Dirpwy Lywydd. The WLGA, as we know, has quantified much of these budgetary pressures on Welsh councils. They've talked about figures in excess of £0.5 billion for next year on top of a £0.25 billion this year. You can do the maths. We know the situation and the challenges facing authorities in my region— Gwynedd, Conwy, Flintshire—and all Members here will be more than familiar with the pressures facing their own local authorities as well. 

So, to turn to the elements of the motion that I believe have merit, I think that it's absolutely right that we do have a debate and an independent review of the formula through which local government is funded, yes. As a party, we've argued for some time for the need to look again at the system and to look at a needs-based formula involving a range of factors, including poverty and rurality. But there will always be winners and losers, no matter what formula you put in place, and you can cut the cake up differently, but we all know as well that the cake itself is too small, isn't it, really? So, there's no silver bullet, and I don't think anybody is fooling themselves there. But, yes, let's have the review, because there's no harm at all in looking at options and revisiting these things on occasion.

When it comes to reserves, there will always be a need for local authorities, of course, to maintain a certain level of reserves, and I'm not hearing anybody querying that. But in respect of this figure of £2.75 billion, I think that's an over-simplication of a more nuanced picture. Yes, there are conversations to be had, of course, about how local authorities can efficiently and responsibly allocate their resources for optimal outcomes. Personally, I think that's happening already to a sufficient extent. Local authorities are aware of that responsibility, and, of course, it is their responsibility. I come back to this point about devolution; it's about their role, they are answerable—and they will be answerable, every election time, so we shouldn't shy away from that. And I've just realised now that my time is running out. I stick to the same principle, of course, when it comes to referenda on council tax levels, local authorities are empowered to make these decisions, and in turn, they are accountable to their electors for those decisions at election time—yes? There's a slippery slope here; a referendum for all decisions that councils make.

So, I think the debate we should be having is about changing the regressive nature of the council tax, and I'm glad to say that, as part of the co-operation agreement with the Welsh Government, that programme of work is happening. We are looking to develop a fairer council tax. The first phase of the consultation has happened and the second phase is coming soon. So, I'm not standing here saying, 'Support the Welsh Government's delete-all amendment'; I don't agree with that. What I'm standing here and asking fellow Members to do is to support Plaid Cymru's two amendments, so that we can fine-tune the Conservative motion. Diolch.