Cuts of £14.5m were approved unanimously at Caerphilly County Borough Council’s budget meeting following a mass walkout by Plaid members.
Plaid Cymru group leader Cllr Colin Mann led the walkout after an amendment relating to senior pay was voted down by 46 votes to 18.
The amendment called for the 2014/15 budget not be accepted without a definite commitment from the leadership that senior pay rises will be re-negotiated.
A council tax rise of 3.9% was also approved at the fiery meeting with heated exchanges resulting in Labour councillor Tudor Davies being reprimanded for telling Cllr Mann to “shut up.”
Introducing the budget, Deputy Leader Cllr Keith Reynolds said: “There certainly is no getting away from the fact that local government in Wales faces a period of severe austerity, however despite this, our budget remains wholly deliverable, efficient and manageable, and is keeping to an absolute minimum the impact of the severe cuts imposed by the UK government upon our residents.”
Cllr Gerald Jones added: “With unprecedented austerity measures by the UK government we have to respond as best we can, with the lowest possible impact on jobs and services and I believe that’s what this budget does.”
The budget raises the the living wage paid to all council workers to £7.65 and speaking to Caerphilly Observer after the meeting Cllr Reynolds promised no redundancies.
More than £600,000 worth of cuts were withdrawn from the budget following the consultation process but opposition members felt the process was insufficient.
Plaid Cymru councillor Lyndon Binding told Wednesday’s meeting: “I believe this consultation has been wholly inadequate with a less than 0.5% response rate from residents to the online consultation, it’s just pathetic.”
Cllr Mann added: “We are pleased to see that the Cabinet has responded to our calls to reconsider some of the more drastic proposals, such as charging for dealing with rat infestation, parks cleansing and support for the voluntary sector.
“Unfortunately this has come at a cost.
“Last year’s promise not to exceed a 2.35% increase in council tax has been broken.
“A rise of almost 4% must be seen in the light of the way so many of our residents are struggling to make ends meet.
“At the same time we have to recognise that there are still proposals in this budget that will affect the quality of life of our residents and also be detrimental to the vulnerable and younger members of our communities.”
Cllr Reynolds dismissed claims that the consultation was inadequate, saying: “This is the largest, most extensive and deepest consultation ever undertaken by this authority.”
Debate centred around cuts to domestic cleaners for the elderly who have not had their needs assessed, the closure of the cafe at Caerphilly Leisure Centre and the complete cut in direct council funding to Senghenydd Splash Pad.
As well as calling for these services to be saved, Plaid Cymru called for a cut in senior pay and a cut in the size of the Cabinet before walking out before the vote on the budget and Council Tax rise.
Speaking after the meeting Cllr Mann said: “We walked out because the Labour group is just not interested in considering alternatives from other groups.
“They are cutting services, putting up council tax by 3.9%, yet won’t ask those at the top to bear any of the pain suffered by residents.
“It only proves that they support a high salary culture for a few.”
After the walkout Cllr Reynolds said: “I’m utterly disgusted with the approach and attitude taken by Plaid because it is easy to walk away and not offer anything.
“To walk away when we are talking about £14.5m cuts is a worthless and pathetic gesture.
“This is a pathetic response by a pathetic party.”
Last night all elected members of Caerphilly County Borough Council were invited to discuss the Council’s budget for 2014/15. The budget settlement in these very tough times was the most challenging facing members since local government reorganisation in 1996. Over the last few months, members of all parties had discussed proposed savings in scrutiny committee meetings and will have had an opportunity to express views and come up with alternatives before the budget. There was also ample time to reject some of the more unpalatable options that were put forward by officers of the Council. The Labour group rejected some of these harsh proposals.
The controlling Labour group in Caerphilly have considered these savings in great detail and came to the budget meeting with proposals we were hoping the Plaid group would support, or if not, offer some alternative. We didn’t see either from Plaid Cymru.
Plaid Cymru disgraced themselves at the budget meeting by shamelessly walking out before the budget vote in a pre – arranged publicity stunt. They weren’t interested in putting forward any meaningful alternative. Their only objective was to secure their name in the headlines to score cheap party political points over the Labour administration. Not only did Plaid Cymru disgrace themselves but they stuck two fingers up to the whole of the residents of this borough by failing to properly participate in such an important vote. Such a pathetic and immature opposition.
Well, here we go again.
But, what IS pathetic is not the fact that opposition Councillors walked out, but that Labour then make playground attempts to gain political capitol from it, there are not many people who will DISAGREE with Plaid Cymru`s attempts to get the Labour Administration to look critically at the huge wage packets trousered by some senior officers month on month, and other areas of waste in the authority INCLUDING A TOP HEAVY CABINET.
Ratepayers up and down and across the borough will, in weeks and months to come, be considering the impact on what the council have just done, and, more critically, and if Plaid Cymru and Colin Mann has his way, be reflecting on the millions of pounds which could have been saved spread over every household in the borough had Labour properly and meaningfully considered the Plaid Cymru Groups suggestions and not ` Waved them aside` with abandonment.
What Trefor doesn't take into account is that last night's meeting of Caerphilly Council was obliged to agree a balanced budget. Any changes to parts of the budget (for instance, not closing a cafe or reducing the council tax increase) had to be balanced by other savings of a similar amount. None of the Nationalists' proposed amendments offered alternative savings for 2014/15. So no wonder the proposed amendments were rejected!
Furthermore, Plaid Cymru councillors voted in favour of Caerphilly Council's pay policy – including senior officers' compromise pay settlement – less than a year ago. Yet last night they claimed they wanted to reopen the whole issue yet again. That wasn't a genuine effort to make alternative savings. It was yet another empty political stunt from Cllr Mann and Co – typically irresponsible.
Perhaps Plaid Cymru should walk out more often because they have nothing to offer to the debate it seems. I'm glad I don't have a Plaid member representing me because I vote for Councillors to vote in Council on the issues that effect our lives, where were they at this important meeting to vote? Nothing more than a staged walk out by the looks!!
Trefor – Plaid's ammendment was a stunt pure and simple. It was a proposal that was submitted at the eleventh hour without the neccessary costings or savings attached. It was only submitted because they knew the Labour group couldn't agree to it because we had to set a balanced budget. They claimed that was the reason why they left the chamber. Absolute rubbish! It was all pre – arranged and was done so to gain publicity. They should all be ashamed of themselves.
Again this entire debate is reflecting on the walk out and not on the fact that anyone, whoever it maybe, sought to get the administration to look at the huge pay paid to senior officers and others and which is undeniably what the ratepayers want to happen, with a view, to saving hundreds of thousands of pounds on household budgets up and down the Valley. It certainly APPEARS to observers that this was an opportunity lost by the Labour Administration, simple.
Gez, I appreciate your critique of the meeting and its purposes, but we should all look now at its `Achievements` and not who did what at the meeting, in any case everyone agrees that Plaid Cymru throwing their toys of the pram achieved nothing except to highlight, yet again, the enormous pay packets being trousered by senior officers and others at a time of severe household financial pressures. Are Labour saying that none of that money can been saved in the future, the council have certainly already set the scene for NOT reclaiming the unlawful payments already made to some senior officers by saying to do so would be `too costly`.
The ratepayers of the valley are becoming more financially sophisticated now that every penny of their household budgets are under extreem pressures, and, will support all ways to ease that pressure whoever in the council makes what looks like sensible and reasonable suggestions to `balance what looks like financial inequality` created by the council in the first place.
I respect the views expressed by Labour Councillor James Pritchard, but, I would like to know why he and his Labour Colleagues consider it inappropriate to look again at the unlawful payments made to the pay packets of senior officers?, Only then will his comments above gain more focus.
Trefor – as someone who is not a political party member and has had a lot of legal experience, I think the unlawful payments are being looked into hence the fact they are appearing in court. What I am observing is Plaid trying to cause mischief and to try and gain political advantage. They know full well the Council's hands are tied until the police finish their investigations and of course the court decides the verdict. Councillors are not to blame here, the officers have been running the council without getting proper authorisation from the Councillors hence the fact these payments were unlawful. If the Chief & Deputy and the Head of Legal are let off without any sentence as such, then I should imagine there will be an internal investigation.
Trefor – You know my views on senior pay. It's been recognised that it was a wrong decision and you won't hear anything different from me. Council did vote for a separate pay policy last year.
Perhaps a Plaid member would like to explain why only a few days before the budget they wanted to renegotiate the very thing they supported last year?? I bet you they wont.
John, don't think that is correct , from my understanding of it the police investigation part is separate, and the pay rise for the big wigs could have been looked at again (so the guy standing in for the suspended chief exec said that was running the meeting) I was sitting in the public gallery watching, and I can say it was quite easy to see the labour guys did not want to take any notice of what others were saying, even when the plaid councillors spoke and they gave different proposals they were shouted down, personally I can't blame em for walking out I left not long after lol…
People of Caerphilly Borough, if you vote Labour this is what you get. A "let the people pay and the executives play" attitude. Political point scoring by a councillor in two thirds of the first comment! The statement from the cabinet sounds just like a budget statement from Westminster, Goerge Osbourne would be proud. Or would that be Edd Balls? Sadly these days there is not much red left in the Labour rose, more a bluey tinge.
I do not aim this at any particular party, but wouldnt it make sense if you all worked together to help and improve the residents welfare in Caerphilly. All this back biting is embarrassing for everyone. It does not win votes. Unfortunately, it is the residents who will have services cut and have to pay extra for those services.
The Labour commentators in this discussion would have us believe they are on the side of the needy. They promised not to raise council tax by more than 2.35% but it goes up by 4.9%. They could have accepted a Plaid amendment to renegotiate senior offices pay but they throw it out. Meanwhile they cut help for the elderly. At a stroke they have made it more difficult for the needy. So much for their promises. Plaid should be applauded for walking out as it highlights the poverty of Labour ideas on this council
The empire builders have ensured that they continue to receive sufficent funds for their plans from the hard pressed tax payers of this borough. The Plaid Cymru walk out was assuredly a pre-arranged stunt which shows their lack of courage to present an alternative. If they really objected to the ridiculous pay given to senior officer of the council they could have voted against it twice, once at the secret meeting and once at the full council meeting that took place when these disgraceful, illegal rises were had been made public.
Regardless of the political posturing we have a clear picture of what is happening now. The pay structure for the top dogs will remain, the number employed by the council will not reduce and some services will be cut. All this will be paid for by members of the public by means of inflation busting tax rises, regardless of the fact that most of them are receiving no pay rises or very small ones. People may wish to reflect on this incompetence and arrogance at election time.
Huw makes a stupid comment that Plaid should be applauded for walking out of this meeting. Stupid because they are elected to represent ALL the people of their wards, and they certainly cannot do that when they walk out of meetings, and they clearly did not press home any points they should have made on the senior officers pay and unlawful car allowance issues, they did not do this last night.
What any opposition should do is to drill down into possible issues which would save the ratepayers even more pressure on their household budgets, press home any arguments they may have on any issues which do the same, and stick with it, it matters not if certain inane Councillors bully them, abuse them in debate, or, wave away their comments with disdain, one `careless` Labour Councillor even told the leader of Plaid Cymru to ` shut up`, what is that all about.
But, in opposition, members of the council have to show some courage and not throw their toys out of the pram because those in control of these meetings are NOT showing some sycophantic back slapping encouragement to their arguments, in situation like that which appeared to be prevalent at this meeting Plaid Cymru members should have stood toe to toe with administration Councillors and driven home their case, after which the electorate will decide which side to support at the next local elections.
Plaid Cymru's chief cheerleader and local branch secretary Huw, would applaud Plaid Councillors if they put forward any motion. It's embarrassing to see Plaid supporters such as Huw slavishly applaud their party come what may. It's also embarrassing for Huw to state on here that council tax is going up by 4.9%. If he was paying attention he would know its 3.9%
I did ask for a Plaid Councillor to come on to these pages to explain their new stance on senior pay considering how they voted last year. As yet, they have chosen to stay away and have probably told their servants to stick up for them. Gutless.
I don't usually write on these pages to attack the opposition but when you saw the way they behaved last night over such an important matter, and the ridiculous reasoning for why they acted like they did, it's just shameful.
I think we should have a brand new set of councillors in caerphilly. The general public are not interested in money being wasted on artwork for villages but more interested in public toilets being kept open. They don't expect the so called elite to spend taxpayers money on buffets when community cafes are then ear marked for closure. Whenever you go past any of the numerous council buildings you see them lit up like blackpool illuminations only to have street lights shut off in local villages. Cleaners for the vulnerable in caerphilly are far more important than the council offices being kept clean. It strange caerphilly council got no money yet they have spent 90 million in bargoed even to the point of building a cinema when that is the responsibility of the cinema group. SORT OUT YOUR PRIORITIES PLEASE!
Sorry about the slip everyone, but unfortunately for James my comments still hold true. The needy are going to suffer. As James is a Labour councillor I am not surprised he slavishly follows the Labour line (which includes his intolerance of criticism)
Excellent letter jan, lets get a new set of councillors, ones who want to help the people, not themselves, perhaps only allowing a certain amount of years to stand, as they all get stale. Less councillors might help, does Risca East need three, we never see any of them, oh unless there's a election coming up.
How about a word from your party's councillors then Huw? Walking out of a meeting is not the correct way for a councillor to act, we need our representatives to have courage and represent the people of their wards. Plaid failed to do this, preferring a publicity stunt to fighting their corner. If I had been elected to borough rather than town I would have been there stating the case forcibly.
Thank goodness the kids go back to school next week.
More funding for children’s play areas in Caerphilly County Borough
Published in News. Last updated on Wednesday February 12th, 2014 at 11:30
Children in Caerphilly County Borough will get a share of £1.25 million in new funding, the Welsh Government has announced.
Councils will be able to use the money for a number of measures, including improving play areas with equipment such as rope swings and timber frame structures.
It will also help buy portable play equipment for children living in disadvantaged communities, improve access for disabled children to take part in play opportunities, improve lighting in play areas and encourage street play.
Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty Vaughan Gething said: “Enabling children to play in a secure enjoyable place should not be seen as a luxury. Play is a vital part of a child’s upbringing and development. This new funding will help local authorities across Wales to improve and develop facilities with the aim of providing more opportunities for children in their area to play.”
Caerphilly County Borough is set to get £77,558
So why have they withdraw the funding for the Aber Valley Splash park
downt they care about the people that need it most.it seem the only ones that seem to caer is Plaid Cymru
Can't believe that Cllr Reynolds called Plaid pathetic how rude and disrespectful. I'm sorry but he need's to get some ball's like you guys and stand up for the communities. At least you guys showed you were man enough to walk away and not argue back like a bunch of school kid's. Well Done Plaid proud of you guy's xx
Absolutely Disgusted at the lot of them. The senior officers get away scot free with their pay rises and allowance withdrawal bonus, both of which were declared illegal! Both parties in Caerphilly have been played like old violins by the senior officers. How many managers are staying on even though they will now have less to manage?
Government is supposed to be carried out in the name of the people for the people!
So lets get this straight. Labour Councillor Pritchard votes to close the cafeteria in Caerphilly Leisure Centre, he votes to withdraw all the funding for the splash pad in Senghenydd, he votes to get rid of social services cleaning services, he votes for a 3.9% increase in Council tax and votes to keep the £200k plus unlawful pay rises. Any wonder he wants to deflect this by commenting so vehemently on the walk out!
Debby Daniels on February 27th, 2014 at 11:21 pm says…
Can’t believe that Cllr Reynolds called Plaid pathetic how rude and disrespectful. I’m sorry but he need’s to get some ball’s like you guys and stand up for the communities. At least you guys showed you were man enough to walk away and not argue back like a bunch of school kid’s. Well Done Plaid proud of you guy’s xx
Debby: You are clearly missing the point of being an elected representative, paid a salary, expenses, and not an inconsiderable pension contribution to their person pension pots, every month, by every household in the Borough. They are not paid this money from the public purse to quit when the going gets tough, it is not tough action to walk away from a `debate`, it is thrir `job` to `argue back`, that`s what they are paid to do and that is what is `expected` of anyone in opposition,and how on earth does it take `balls` as you say to simply take the easy option and walk away from a public debate???
You say these Councillors who walked away from this debate took some kind of `manly` couragous, action, how does that work in local politics???? All Councillors are elected to perform in the interest of their constituents and you clearly think that is what walking away from the most important debate of the year does, I don`t understand that logic.
It does seem that Colin Mann`s position was abused by a senior Labour Councillors comments, and he should be dealt with through the usual resolution Councillors and the public for that matter have for dealing with errant abusive elected members, but, the only way to deal, at the time, with such bullying between Councillors is by reasonable and proper retaliation in the council chamber, not submitting to it and walking away, The Council Chamber is a place where statutory civic business is conducted and some Councillors who are prepared to abuse others in the process of conducting that business should be ashamed of themselves, nothing clever in name calling, now that is the stuff of kid`s playground activity.
The point that councillors walked out of a meeting or not is a side issue. The fact of the matter is that our standard of living should not be going down because of corrupt bankers and politicians! Until you go to the source of the problem; your going to get the same old tripe spouted by politicians and councillors alike.
I got a question for all caerphilly councilors: How far does the slimy tentical of "Common Purpose Training" invade our local authority?
see:
youtube.com/watch?v=hSLFeJYIw4E
I am not political but I do care what happens in our communities, I was sitting in the public gallery listening to Councillors debate the budget as they had a very difficult task of making Cuts of £14.5m. The closure of the cafe at Caerphilly Leisure Centre was one of the things on the list, Cllr Mike Prew put a very good case forward to Franchising the café out to Local business or a Local Training School, Keeping it community based. I am sure that if someone took the café over and offered Healthy Food it would be a good enterprise?
Hi Trefor Bond, I am really annoyed that on the 12th February there was an article in the Observer http://www.caerphillyobserver.co.uk/news/939585/m…
Why is it the Aber Valley does not get any of this help to keep up the running of the Aber Valley splash park, we do come under Caerphilly Borough
Irrespective of what happened at this meeting, it should be remembered that a Labour council agreed substantial pay rises to senior officers through the back door so as to speak, whilst the workforce had no pay rise for three years. If that's Socialism they can keep it. Caerphilly Council wastes so much money it would shock ratepayers if they knew the truth. This authority is a spent force while the four Labour Councillors who approved the pay rises to Senior Officers remain as Councillors. Get rid of the corruption now Harry Andrews.
Corrupt and overspending. Yet again the public will suffer and pay for the recent pay rises and high court fees. Shocking not..
The Council needs a good shake up, they could easily save millions by pushing out all those high paid managers and Councillors to start with and get them working out into the real world. Do you really need 10 Managers per Department. Also the Welsh Audit Office might want to start looking at ALL Emails. All a joke no wonder the public got no confidence in the Council.
Another good example of corruption JOB EVALUATION for the staff, huge increases to managers again and those who they liked in their teams, they had full control on who went up and down the scales, project should have been done by an independent company not in-house. How did they get away with that!
Obviously the Plaid members aren't interested in making any of the difficult decisions. By all means reject the budget but where was the alternative? Awful opposition party.