Stop councillors' pay and put their commitment to the test (From Western Telegraph)

Stop councillors' pay and put their commitment to the test

DEAR EDITOR, - So, veteran councillors are to have a one-off severance payment of up to £20,000.

This, according to Finance and Public Services Minister, Sue Essex, is to 'attract new blood into local government' and in 'fair recognition of the service councillors perform'.

Many would ask 'what services?' (Is there to be an assessment of achievement, of commitment to problem-solving at grass roots, of the quality of the so-called service?) In Pembrokeshire we have a county council made up of a majority of Independent councillors, and democracy is just an empty word.

Already councillors are being paid much in excess of that paid to full-time workers, who are subject to performance assessments before being awarded any pay increases. Last year, Pembrokeshire county councillors voted themselves an 80% increase on already more-than-adequate payments: this at a time when village schools are being closed. It is high time councillors were made accountable to the public which pays them.

Stop their payments altogether, and just pay their expenses - then we would see who is really committed to serving the community and has its best interests at heart.

GLENYS JONES 100 Wellington Road, Hakin, Milford Haven.