Caerphilly Council turns down celebration cash request from magistrates

Caerphilly County Borough Council has refused to pay £2,500 to help celebrate 650 years of the magistracy in Gwent.

The money, being sought by the Gwent Magistrates Association 650 Committee, would be used to fund the celebration of the Justices of the Peace Act 1361.

Council leader Lindsay Whittle, of Plaid Cymru, said that using £2,500 of public money could not be justified at a time of massive spending cuts.

He said: “I had a request from the Gwent Magistrates Association 650 Committee for Caerphilly Council to contribute £2,500 towards the anniversary celebrations.

“I refused to approve a grant immediately I was asked because how could we justify supporting a celebration for magistrates – although I acknowledge their contribution to public life – at a time when massive spending cuts are on the way as a result of the UK Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

“To even thinking of holding a celebration at this time, I believe is insensitive and I know our residents would have been up in arms if we were spending money on this at this time when jobs and services throughout the public sector are under threat.

Cllr Whittle, who is second on the Plaid Cymru list for the South-East regional seat at next year’s Assembly election, added: “We are now in a different world so it would not be right for us to support this application.”