Meeting with one agenda item criticised

The decision to hold a full council meeting to discuss just the merger of two Newtown schools has been criticised by councillors who thought the money cost in holding it could be better used elsewhere.

On Friday, Powys county councillors from Newtown and throughout the county travelled to Llandrindod Wells for a meeting that discussed the merger of both Ladywell Green Infant School and Hafren Community Primary Junior School in Newtown.

Councillors were told that they would not be taking a decision at the Full Council meeting but discussing the issue and giving their views to PCC cabinet which will make the decision in the new year.

Leader of the Plaid Cymru group, Cllr Elwyn Vaughan, said: “The fact of the matter, this today is just an expensive toothless talking shop. It does not form part of any legal requirement  as part of the consultation process in relation to these schools. And at time when we are under immense financial and officer time is pressures,  I think that we could better utilise these resources.”

Cllr Vaughan went on to say that he had a  notice of motion ready for the next full council meeting to address the issue.

Cllr Michael Williams, added: “I would like to concur absolutely with Elwyn’s thoughts on this matter. To bring us all together I would think costs not much less than £1,500 in travelling expenses.

“In my opinion it could be better used to carry out hands on services be they filling potholes or clearing gunge out of drains or looking after our people who are desperately in need of some services.”

PCC chair, Cllr Beverley Baynham, assured councillors that there were more reasons for them to be at County Hall. "We do have a rather important seminar following immediately afterwards on school transformation and we are going to receives budget update from Jane (Jane Thomas – Head of Finance) following the settlement from the Welsh Assembly (Government).

“Hopefully that will reassure you a bit about this morning.”

Cllr Vaughan’s notice of motion is: “In view of the fact that this meeting is not a legal requirement and does not bring anything to the process. and the importance that we make the best use of resources and don’t waste money, Council agrees to remove the requirement for full council to meet to discuss school transformation and rather to use other meetings and opportunities that form part of the legal process.”