Many of you will know that since becoming elected I have written a monthly column in the Wye Local magazine. I think this is a great way to reach out to people in the ward who perhaps do not have access to the internet. You can pick the Wye Local up from local shops across the area and better still its free!

However I have decided to publish my column on my website too, so those of you who do use the internet can also access it here.

 November edition.

 All the talk in County Hall this month is about the budget.

We have now learnt that our settlement from the Welsh Assembly Government is an increase of 1% – one of the lowest in Wales.  Many people believe that this low settlement is the result of the relatively low increase in council tax that we set last year. The increase of 2.95%  was supported by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, the Welsh Conservatives and Labour. It was a time when people in Powys were feeling the pinch of the recession and we had to decide how to balance the council’s budget along with the ability of people to pay.

The average increase in council tax across Wales last year was 3.95%. This year could be a different story. We all know that future settlements could be much more difficult. We have been told that we need to prepare this year, for what could be very tough settlements in the future. As councillors we need to ensure that the council deliver and protect its statutory services such as education and social services.

I want to try and ensure that the people in my ward receive the best service possible from the council. There are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration when planning for the future. Powys is facing the largest significant increase in population of people over 65 in the whole of Wales. It also faces a school pupil population that is falling more quickly than anywhere else in Wales. These issues along with the future demand and needs of the population will shape the decisions the council take on the budget.

Meanwhile closer to home, the Gwernyfed Catchment Area School review has just got underway. Currently there are ten primary schools in the area with approximately 715 pupils; which means that the number of surplus spaces stands at 31%. Furthermore the budget share ranges from just under £3000 to £7000 per pupil. The question that is being asked is; is this current model sustainable? It is certainly going to be an interesting few months but I am pleased that no decisions have yet been made. The area review will be an open and transparent process. I will of course keep you informed of any progress or decisions that are made.

If you wish to discuss these or any other matters please call me on 07900904509 or email me at cllr.clair.powell@powys.gov.uk

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