In a shocking development at Thursday’s full Council meeting, the current Liberal Democrat and Labour coalition in Powys voted in favour of implementing a staggering 7.5% increase in Council Tax. This decision not only goes against their pre-election pledges to maintain a 0% increase but also introduces measures that will disproportionately affect the disabled, disadvantaged, and the broader community of Powys.
Among the concerning changes approved are:
- The imposition of parking fees for Blue Badge holders, a move that starkly contradicts previous statements made by both parties regarding their support for disabled individuals. Cllr Iain McIntosh said “In the past, Cllr Pete Roberts (LibDem) and his colleagues have described the introduction of charges for Blue Badge holders as ‘disgusting, hurting people with disabilities and on low incomes, affecting war pensioners and the blind’ but now they are in power, those concerns don’t appear to matter anymore. Jane Dodds MS even created a petition asking the public to sign it to show their opposition to the proposal. I have asked Jane Dodds where her petition is now, but haven’t received a response yet. Both parties in power claim the introduction of these charges will bring an extra £100,000 to the Council, but I don’t believe they have taken into account the number of current Blue Badge holders who already pay to park. I also don’t think they have considered the cost of changing all car park ticket machines to make them low enough for people in wheel chairs, which could mean the cost of introducing these charges may be more than the extra revenue gained!”
- The possible reversion of 50% of Powys unclassified roads back to stone, significantly reducing the quality and safety of our local road network to cut future maintenance costs. This not only affects rural areas, but some unclassified roads in our towns too.
- The introduction of parking charges in previously free car parks, impacting local businesses and visitors.
- An increase in cemetery fees, affecting all residents during their most challenging times.
- The removal of cardboard recycling banks, stepping back from our environmental responsibilities.
- A price increase for green garden waste collections, discouraging recycling and proper waste management.
- The introduction of charges for transporting over 16-year-olds to school, placing additional financial burdens on families.
Cllr McIntosh added “This budget not only represents a significant financial imposition on the residents of Powys but also, yet again, a betrayal of the trust placed in these parties. Their actions are a clear departure from their campaign promises and a demonstration of their disregard for the well-being of our community.
Compounding this betrayal, Liberal Democrat Councillors together with Powys Parliamentary candidates David Chadwick and Glyn Preston, were seen celebrating their ‘success’ in a local pub immediately after the meeting. Their social media post, captioned "Good day in the office for the Powys Lib Dems", is a slap in the face to every resident affected by their decisions. It displays an utter lack of empathy for those they serve and a disturbing confidence that their positions are secure regardless of their actions.
This is indeed a sad day for Powys. The residents of our communities deserve better. They deserve leaders who stand by their promises, who prioritise the needs of their constituents over political victories, and who understand the real-world impact of their decisions. Our communities are resilient and strong, and it is in times like these that we must come together to hold our elected officials accountable. We must demand transparency, integrity, and actions that support the well-being of all residents in Powys.”
