But Communities and Local Government Minister Grant Shapps rejected the opposition's charges and accused Labour of leaving the coalition a "toxic legacy of debt" under their "scorched earth policy".

BBC: Local government cuts will 'hammer' poorer areas

Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant AM, along with fellow Labour and Plaid Cymru AMs, described Conservative election pledges as either uncosted or reckless.

BBC: Local government questions

Scottish Labour's local government spokesperson Sarah Boyack supported the implementation of the Gould report recommendations and called on the minister to focus on promoting voter registration in the run up to the local government elections.

BBC: Local government elections 2012 debate