In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
Child Poverty
During a debate in the Senedd last week, I referred to the Welsh Government’s original target of eliminating child poverty by 2020, which is now unachievable.
If we want to get anywhere ending it in Wales then we have to stand up against those policies from Westminster that attack the poor, low waged and those on benefits. It does nothing to help children out of poverty when their parents are in jobs that fail to pay a living wage, currently £7.85, more than £1 above the National Minimum Wage.
A living wage in Wales would mean a decent pay rise for 250,000 Welsh workers, including thousands in the Caerphilly county borough.
We have to face up to the fact that benefit and welfare changes have been a disaster for people in Wales. Universal Credit acts as a disincentive to work while the bedroom tax has done nothing more than severely disadvantage many people who are already struggling.
Hendredenny
I noted that the Labour Cabinet at Caerphilly Council deferred a decision last week over the sale of a plot of land that would open up Hendredenny to hundreds more homes.
They apparently want more time to make a decision and also visit the site. I don’t suppose for one minute that the deferral is anything to do with the UK General Election that takes place on May 7.
As I’ve said previously this will be back on the agenda post May 7 when I fear the Labour Cabinet will sell this plot of land making it easy for Redrow to develop hundreds of homes. It would be a betrayal of residents.
The Plaid Cymru ward councillors have warned consistently about over-development in the Caerphilly area and the Cabinet should refuse to sell. They don’t have to, so why make life more difficult for local people.
How is the road network, schools, GP surgeries or even the sewerage system going to cope with another 250 homes and if went ahead it certainly won’t be the last major development in the Caerphilly Basin with more greenfield sites threatened? Do we really want our green fields concreted over? There are plenty of brownfield sites in the north of the county borough that could and should be utilised.
Child poverty in Wales can never be totally eliminated as unfortunately it is all too easy for two people with very little between their ears to bring a child into the world, and that child is more often than not born straight into the poverty stricken life of it’s selfish, irresponsible parents. Having a child is a big responsibility and a decision that should not be taken lightly, it’s certainly one not to be taken after a couple of cans of Tenants Extra and then be expecting the state to pay for it. This irresponsible behavour is not the fault of Westminster, and the only good thing that can ever come out of devolution is that it would stop those politicians in Cardiff blaming everything that is wrong with Wales on those in Westminster because it’s getting a little monotonous now…..it’s no use whining about families struggling to make ends meet on low wages and then bashing everybody with yet again the highest council tax increases in the U.K, Westminster gave millions to councils so that council tax could be frozen, Welsh councils used the money to safeguard their own jobs.
The above comments really are the ranting, distorted and disproportionate, views of the far right of british politics, and if there was ever a reason to support the left of Centre politics of Lindsay Whittle and other left wing politicians then this years election, next years elections and the local elections the year after is the time to to do so. and I would say I can be identified from my proper name and I am not affraid or reluctant to state my views openly and with conviction and being identified in the process,. How about doing the same PAUL?
Once again Trefor you personally attack me just because I don’t share the same political views as yourself, I use the name that I was baptised with, although it’s none of your business what name I chose to use. The politicians who reside in Cardiff whatever party they represent couldn’t care less about child poverty or the welfare of decent working families, if they did they wouldn’t allow Welsh councils to yet again raise council tax by unjustified levels, it’s no good hammering parents with huge council tax increases, this does nothing to help children out of poverty, or do you think raising taxes is the answer.
You protest too much, I have simply pointed out the difference in ideoligy between your disproportionate ranting views and your personal opinion on Lindsay Whittle`s position on poverty in Wales. I agree with Lindsay, you dont, live with it.
Noone can read into my comments, a `personal` attack`, on you, I simply point out the vitriolic language you use to express your views, and your attack on many members of the Caerphilly Community (Holding the poorest Ward in the UK,) describing many of them thus,
“it is all too easy for two people with very little between their ears tobring a child into the world, and that child is more often than not born straight into the poverty stricken life of it’s selfish, irresponsible, half-baked parents.” AND, ” Having a child is a big responsibility and a decision that should not be taken lightly, it’s certainly one not to be taken after a couple of
cans of Tenant’s Super”.
This sort of langusge contributes nothing to assist anyone, including honourable, honest, hardworking politicians fight poverty in our communities.
I agree with you Trefor, I do protest too much, but a trip into Caerphilly to pick up a little shopping is more often than not quite a shocking experience, young mothers dragging snotty nosed crying kids around who quite obviously can barely afford to eat themselves let alone feed the child, and the dog that is usually not far behind. I once overheard one very distressed teenage mother screaming down the phone to somebody that she had no money to buy nappies or food for her baby, she claimed that things were so bad she’d had to cancel sky T.V….and that is I swear the Gods honest truth. Now she certainly hadn’t taken the time to consider whether or not she could afford to bring a child into the world. Perhaps these so called honourable politicians who have just bagged themselves a handsome pay rise could step out of their bubble and into the real world, take a trip into Caerphilly on a week day afternoon and witness poverty for themselves. Mr Whittle always seems to forget the fact that yet more outrageous increases in council tax here in Wales has done nothing to help working families who for many it is the single largest bill they face every month, and what will Labour do once they are re elected….they will raise council tax even more.
Now, Paul, I tend to be nearer understanding and accepting your comments, however, the situations you describe, as witnessed by you, is a further indication that it is not the `system`, the ideoligy, which is at fault, but the inability of individuals to cope with it, it is not the having children which is wrong, it is the `states` failure to ensure that recipients are made to understand what the priorities are for the spending of `household` benefits.
These benfits are not, for instance, for the sole extravegance of the parents, they are for the `benefit` of the child or children.
There is also an argument which would suggest that SKY TV, alcohol, cigarettes, or being able to take advantage of the `Night Time Economy` and, the resultant miss-spending of family benefits contributes to family and child poverty, but, the answer is not to stop benefits, or to reduce them, the answer is to ensure that rules are enforced in respect to the way some individuals or family units think they have state benefits for. hold more mother and toddler groups which would be mandatory for those recieving state help, also make it mandatory for fathers to attend if they are also part of the benefits system culture, LECTURE, claiments on their responsibilities in respect to benefits, on the reasons for the state paying them money for the welfare and well being of their children, link Welfare to Work Policies into these groups, Drug and Alcohol use advice and guidance classes, and other support network organisations who could contribute to helping families tackle poverty in their homes by the proper disribution of their limited `wealth`..
Sadly child poverty in Wales can never be totally eliminated as unfortunately it is all too easy for two people with very little between their ears to bring a child into the world, and that child is more often than not born straight into the poverty stricken life of it’s selfish, irresponsible, half-baked parents. Having a child is a big responsibility and a decision that should not be taken lightly, it’s certainly one not to be taken after a couple of cans of Tenant’s Super and then be expecting the state to pay for it. This irresponsible behavior is not the fault of Westminster, the only good thing that can ever come out of devolution is that it would stop those politicians in Cardiff blaming everything that is wrong with Wales on those in Westminster because it’s getting a little monotonous now…..it’s no use whining about families struggling to make ends meet on low wages and then bashing them with yet again the highest council tax increases in the U.K, Westminster gave millions to councils so that council tax could be frozen, Welsh councils used the money to safeguard their own jobs.
The above comments really are the ranting, distorted and disproportionate, views of the far right of british politics, and if there was ever a reason to support the left of Centre politics of Lindsay Whittle and other left wing politicians then this years election, next years elections and the local elections the year after is the time to to do so. and I would say I can be identified from my proper name and I am not affraid or reluctant to state my views openly and with conviction and being identified in the process,. How about doing the same PAUL?
Once again Trefor you personally attack me just because I don’t share the same political views as yourself, I use the name that I was baptised with, although it’s none of your business what name I chose to use. The politicians who reside in Cardiff whatever party they represent couldn’t care less about child poverty or the welfare of decent working families, if they did they wouldn’t allow Welsh councils to yet again raise council tax by unjustified levels, it’s no good hammering parents with huge council tax increases, this does nothing to help children out of poverty, or do you think raising taxes is the answer.
You protest too much, I have simply pointed out the difference in ideoligy between your disproportionate ranting views and your personal opinion on Lindsay Whittle`s position on poverty in Wales. I agree with Lindsay, you dont, live with it.
Noone can read into my comments, a `personal` attack`, on you, I simply point out the vitriolic language you use to express your views, and your attack on many members of the Caerphilly Community (Holding the poorest Ward in the UK,) describing many of them thus,
“it is all too easy for two people with very little between their ears tobring a child into the world, and that child is more often than not born straight into the poverty stricken life of it’s selfish, irresponsible, half-baked parents.” AND, ” Having a child is a big responsibility and a decision that should not be taken lightly, it’s certainly one not to be taken after a couple of
cans of Tenant’s Super”.
This sort of langusge contributes nothing to assist anyone, including honourable, honest, hardworking politicians fight poverty in our communities.
I agree with you Trefor, I do protest too much, but a trip into Caerphilly to pick up a little shopping is sometimes quite a shocking experience, young mothers dragging snotty nosed crying kids around who quite obviously can barely afford to eat themselves let alone feed the child, and the dog that is usually not far behind. I once overheard one very distressed teenage mother screaming down the phone to somebody that she had no money to buy nappies or food for her baby, she claimed that things were so bad she’d had to cancel sky T.V….and that is I swear the Gods honest truth. Now she certainly hadn’t taken the time to consider whether or not she could afford to bring a child into the world. Perhaps these so called honourable politicians who have just bagged themselves a handsome pay rise could step out of their bubble and into the real world, take a trip into Caerphilly on a week day afternoon and witness poverty for themselves. Mr Whittle always seems to forget the fact that yet more outrageous increases in council tax here in Wales has done nothing to help working families who for many it is the single largest bill they face every month, and what will Labour do once they are re elected….they will raise council tax even more.
Now, Paul, I tend to be nearer understanding and accepting your comments, however, the situations you describe, as witnessed by you, is a further indication that it is not the `system`, the ideoligy, which is at fault, but the inability of individuals to cope with it, it is not the having children which is wrong, it is the `states` failure to ensure that recipients are made to understand what the priorities are for the spending of `household` benefits.
These benfits are not, for instance, for the sole extravegance of the parents, they are for the `benefit` of the child or children.
There is also an argument which would suggest that SKY TV, alcohol, cigarettes, or being able to take advantage of the `Night Time Economy` and, the resultant miss-spending of family benefits contributes to family and child poverty, but, the answer is not to stop benefits, or to reduce them, the answer is to ensure that rules are enforced in respect to the way some individuals or family units think they have state benefits for. hold more mother and toddler groups which would be mandatory for those recieving state help, also make it mandatory for fathers to attend if they are also part of the benefits system culture, LECTURE, claiments on their responsibilities in respect to benefits, on the reasons for the state paying them money for the welfare and well being of their children, link Welfare to Work Policies into these groups, Drug and Alcohol use advice and guidance classes, and other support network organisations who could contribute to helping families tackle poverty in their homes by the proper disribution of their limited `wealth`..etc. etc. etc.
I absolutely agree with Lindsay that the deferral of the decision on the sale of land near Hendredenny has as much to do with the nearness of the general election as any other consideration. However, this is part of a general theme concerning the extension of settlement boundaries (Local Development Plan) within the Caerffili basin. Can someone from Plaid Cymru explain why it was that their elected members did not vigourously oppose the draft LDP in council?
I absolutely agree with Lindsay that the deferral of the decision on the sale of land near Hendredenny has as much to do with the nearness of the general election as any other consideration. However, this is part of a general theme concerning the extension of settlement boundaries (Local Development Plan) within the Caerffili basin. Can someone from Plaid Cymru explain why it was that their elected members did not vigourously oppose the draft LDP in council?
This is obviously and blatantly all about the election and typical of new liebour.
This attitude of disdain towards the publics wants has just been demonstrated by Marxist in chief his most excellent and glorious colonel Blair. Who stated that membership of the EU was to important to be “traded”. Which is newspeak for, for gods sake don’t give them the choice or they might make the wrong decision and choose against our designs.
Labour want more housing to cope with a burgeoning population that increases and dilutes, sorry, I mean enriches all communities it taints, sorry I mean touches.
This is obviously and blatantly all about the election and typical of new liebour.
This attitude of disdain towards the publics wants has just been demonstrated by Marxist in chief his most excellent and glorious colonel Blair. Who stated that membership of the EU was to important to be “traded”. Which is newspeak for, for gods sake don’t give them the choice or they might make the wrong decision and choose against our designs.
Labour want more housing to cope with a burgeoning population that increases and dilutes, sorry, I mean enriches all communities it taints, sorry I mean touches.