New budget talks begin

With a rejected budget, Powys County Council is heading for uncharted waters but it seems leaders from across the political divide are willing to work together.

The Local Democracy Service understands that the first meeting of group leaders will take place this afternoon (Monday) to try and find a way forward.

Council Tax bills might not be sent out on time unless a balanced budget can be agreed by March 11 at the latest, but Powys County Council could set the budget later in the year, but risk losing out collecting the first months’ payments. This would then need to be calculated to add to people’s bills so that it can be paid over the financial year.

Opposition groups are already suggesting a new “rainbow alliance” with opposition councillors brought in to the cabinet.

Liberal Democrat-Green group leader, Cllr James Gibson-Watt, said: “The budget is only a symptom of the problems. We have given the leadership 18 months and they have failed to turn Powys around.

“There are key departments where hard and politically unpopular decisions have been kicked into the long grass. If others are prepared to work with us we are prepared to play our role in creating a rainbow administration that will work for the greater good of Powys and take the hard decisions that are long overdue.”

Plaid Cymru group leader, Cllr Elwyn Vaughan, said: “There needs to be fresh thinking about the way forward. New confidence needs to be cultivated in the council.

“Staff and the public need sincerity and respect, whilst understanding the immense financial and other pressures. Because of that, we need a leadership based on putting Powys first, not a single party or group, a leadership that can share and work with others.

“We need one based on a rainbow alliance – making the most of skills from a range of individuals from whatever political colour for the sake of Powys.”

Labour Group Leader Cllr Matthew Dorrance, said: “The Cabinet is out of touch with our citizens and our communities. Labour Councillors stand ready to work across the Chamber to set a budget that protects our communities from the worst of austerity without placing such an unfair burden on Council Tax payers.”

Conservative group leader and finance portfolio holder, Cllr Aled Davies, said: “We will now, over the coming days, have to continue to try and set a balanced budget, this is critical, not to do so puts service delivery at high risk.”

Council leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris (Independent), has been asked for a comment.