‘It’s a raw deal for Powys’

The political chest thumping has stepped up a notch after the draft budget was revealed for Powys.

We announced last night that the Welsh Government will give Powys an extra £1.9 in the coming financial year which means shelving plans to cut rural bus services, transport charges for post-16 learners and four-weekly waste collections.

With the Assembly elections in May, candidates have been quick to make their opinions known with Liberal Democrats hopeful Jane Dodds calling it “welcome”, but adding that her party believes there needs to be a “complete review of the funding formula to deliver a fairer deal for rural areas”.

The Conservatives have accused their rivals of supporting the draft budget and paving the way for Powys County Council to receive the joint worst financial settlement of all local authorities in Wales.

Both the Lib Dems and Conservatives claim their lobbying helped secure the extra money for Powys.

“The Welsh Government has partially reversed their planned cuts to rural councils, but today’s announcement falls well short of our calls for fundamental reform of the local government funding formula,” said Mr George.

“Out of 22 local authorities in Wales, Powys will receive the joint lowest settlement. For many rural communities, today’s announcement of extra funding will be seen as too little, too late and it’s clear that rural councils are getting a raw deal.”

Mr George said that the Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru voted against the draft budget, whilst Liberal Democrat AMs abstained from voting, allowing the Welsh Government’s budget to pass to its final stage.