In his first blog for Caerphilly Observer since being elected, former council leader and new South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
Allan Pritchard
I wanted to wish Allan Pritchard well in his new role as leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council.
It has been a privilege to serve as leader and I’m certain Allan, who is a great guy, will do a splendid job. He has been an excellent deputy leader and cabinet member.
I will keeping an eye on the many projects I’ve been closely involved in as leader such as the continued regeneration of Bargoed, the Caerphilly town library and museum scheme and the Risca Palace development. And, of course, there are the new hospital and road improvements at Ystrad Mynach.
Readers will know I’m proud of Plaid’s record since we assumed control of Caerphilly in 2008. We’ve ensured that allowances paid to councillors have not been increased.
And we did not increase council tax bills this year and the aim is to do the same next year. I honestly believe we are a listening and caring authority – for instance we’ve not imposed wage cuts on some of the lowest paid staff like neighbouring Labour-run Rhondda Cynon Taf council while we’ve also not made anyone compulsorily redundant. Front line services, which mean so much to the public, have been maintained.
With James Fussell joining the cabinet, Plaid has an excellent team to go into next year’s elections. Plaid will be happy for voters to judge its record in government in the county borough.
Passport Office
In my new role as South Wales East regional Assembly Member, I raised the job losses at Newport Passport Office in First Minister’s questions at the Senedd.
The axing of 150 jobs in these tough economic times is a blow to the city and the wider region as well as to those workers who face an uncertain future.
The Labour Welsh Government has to live up to its election promises by helping those put out of work. The SNP Government has led the way in trying to secure new funding to invest in our communities. Carwyn Jones needs to stand up for Wales by putting pressure on the UK Treasury.
I’ve been appointed Social Services, Children and Equal Opportunities spokesperson by Plaid’s leader Ieuan Wyn Jones. I’m looking forward to the role.
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru
South Wales East regional Assembly Member