Settlement sparks "political ping pong"

9:22am Friday 14th December 2007

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A ding-dong exchange of political ping-pong enlivened yesterday's County Council meeting with little evidence at times of seasonal goodwill.

But, despite the heated clashes between Leader John Davies and members on the opposition benches, the council unanimously agreed to register deep concern about the Welsh Assembly's provisional funding settlement and call for "a rethink to achieve a fairer disitribution of available resources".

Because of the deadline for implementation, it was agreed to debate a notice of motion tabled by Councillor John Davies, who raised the hackles of Labour members by slamming the Assembly's offered 2% rise as "obscene".

He said 95% of the roads in Wales were local authority maintained while the Assembly had awarded themselves 33% more for their roads. Instead of dualling the A40 there would be double standards for roads in Wales, he said, adding that Assembly internal services were also due to go up by 40% from £32m to £48m.

Cllr Sue Perkins defended the WAG record, saying that Pembrokeshire had been put back to work by the tremendous changes that had taken place in the last decade, in contrast to the dark days of 1997.

"What has the Leader done apart from blaming the Assembly?" she asked.

Cllr Mike Williams said the authority needed to take its share of the blame and look at ways to cut costs.

He referred to a 130% increase in officer salaries and unnecessary appointments, such as a hockey development officer, which he suggested were not the role of local government.

He recommended co-operating with neighbouring authorities to reduce costs. Cllr Ken Rowlands also defended the Assembly record, which, he said had enabled the county council to perform well over the years, while Cllr Ken Edwards accused the leader of asking for more like Oliver Twist instead of looking at ways to manage spending properly.

"Scrutiny chairmen and cabinet members, get off your backsides and look for savings and give some credit to the Assembly for the way they have benefited services in this County," he said.

Cllr Mike Evans rose in defence of the council's record, saying it had been told to save £2m and had actually saved £3.8m which had been re-invested in better services.

"We should tell them we have done our bit, now you do yours and give us a fair whack," he said.

Said Cllr Tony Brinsden: "Let's have an end to the political ping-pong and try and pull together to get the best possible settlement."

There were no votes against.

*Pick up Wednesday's Western Telegraph for more on the council meeting.