Plaid call for sustainability

“Put sustainability at the heart of the council,” was the message for the New Year given to Powys County Council by the Plaid Cymru–Green group on the authority.

The group leader, Councillor Elwyn Vaughan said: “During 2018 we want the council to send a clear message that they place the principle of sustainability at the heart of its activities and vision for the future.

“We are well aware that the council faces challenges, the need for clear values and principles are therefore as important as ever as the foundation for the future.”

Councillor Vaughan said the party wanted wants the council to put sustainability into action in four areas:

1.       When considering the future of public services. Innovative thinking and partnership working is imperative to ensure that our communities get the continued services they deserve

2.       With the forecast population decrease in Powys of 11,000 by 2039, it’s imperative to develop a sustainable local economy, adding value to our resources, creating a positive vision for the future, with the Council itself spending as much as possible in the local economy, and enabling our young people to have a future in the area

3.       In environmental sustainability. Having it as a key consideration in all action, including supporting the principles minimising waste and the use of plastic in its schools and offices

4.       In cultural and linguistic sustainability, in having it as a cross cutting theme in its activities and putting a strategy in place to reflect the Welsh Government goal of having a million Welsh speakers by 2050.

“Powys, as many other authorities face substantial pressures, however the need for a clear, positive vision for the future for this old and proud County is as important as ever, and that vision needs to be based on the cornerstone of sustainability,” he added.