The Labour group on Caerphilly County Borough Council has outlined some its policies ahead of next week’s election.
Councillor Harry Andrews, leader of the group, said: “Welsh Labour’s focus in these elections is to stand up for our communities against the onslaught of Tory Government cuts.
“Our priorities include a massive £92million investment in schools and school buildings across Caerphilly County Borough. £46million of this has already been allocated by Welsh Labour at the Assembly. Following the vote by council tenants to remain with the council, we will create apprenticeships in traditional trades and a range of other jobs, as part of the £173million investment in council housing and housing estates.”
Cllr Andrews also pointed out additional measures that will benefit local people across the County Borough.
He said: “Young people will benefit from additional Youth Clubs that for the first time will be open all year and not closed for most of the summer.
“We will tackle the problem of dog mess in our communities by employing additional wardens as well as employing additional community safety wardens to continue the fight against anti-social behaviour.
“Welsh Labour will also abolish the stealth charges introduced by Plaid Cymru for the collection of unwanted household furniture etc. and replacement wheelie bins.”
Plaid Cymru’s key election pledges include:
- Building its training and apprentice scheme.
- A total of £92m will be spent on improving English and Welsh medium schools.
- Investing £172m in improving council homes.
- Improving recycling.
- £19m to go on highway improvements over four years.
- Regeneration continuing with new multiplex cinema in Bargoed.
- New libraries to be opened in Caerphilly and Abercarn.
- Council tax increases kept to a minimum.
Given the near identical key pledges of both parties, isn't this election going to be a bit like chosing whether you want you egg fried or poached.
Rob Roffe is correct, unless of course you have a good Independent candidate in your ward. The Plaid/Labour see-saw has not covered itself in glory over the years. This election is likely to result in Independent councillors holding the balance of power.
There is no particular Labour or Plaid way of running the council and they both seem to expend more effort on political 'hand bags at dawn' fights than getting on with their job. The result is that many voters do not bother to cast their votes and turnputs of 30 odd percent are common. Let us all hope this changes on 3rd May.
I partially agree with Richard, there should be Party Politics in local government, in practice,apart from Welsh Labour having their strings pulled by Ed Miliband and his metropolitan elite,the only difference between Plaid and Labour is that Plaid is more left wing,not hard to do, especially with the new leader Leane Wood.
No independents in Morgan Jones, Richard, and I certainly won't be voting for the the near-invisible Conservative candidates.
I've contacted both the Plaid and Labour candidates in relation to a particular local issue of concern (the dangerous pedestrian crossing next to the Green Lady pub). In fairness to both parties, this is an issue that they are both looking into and both are calling for the same solution. Consensus all round, it would seem.
Rob Roffe, I know you must be dismayed with the Liberals, a party that you worked hard for. Why not think of standing as an independent next time? This is what I decided to do four years ago.
I am gratified by the many messages of support I have had from people who are heartily sick of the political machinations of the political parties. This cheers me greatly, I had spent years moaning about the ridiculous posturing of the nonentities who have made a living from politics and my decision to stand for election is one I have not regretted. Win or lose I can at least say that I tried to make things a little better for the people of my town, Caerffili.