Calls for Council Chiefs to consider their positions
Following criticisms of poor corporate governance, opaque procurement processes and large overspends in Conwy County Borough Council, there are calls for those responsible to consider their positions.
Aberconwy AM and Shadow Minister for Local Government Janet Finch - Saunders said:
“There is considerable local concern over the way business is conducted by those leading this council.
“The costly additional work proposed for Porth Eirias – properly highlighted by the Rt Hon David Jones MP – is yet a further example of the ineptitude and profligacy of this authority. This is not the only issue that has caused serious local concern in recent months, not only to residents but often to staff working within the authority.
“Last week saw parents dismayed at the manner in which the local authority has handled the home to school transport contracts and access to school for those pupils requiring support.
“The Llandudno Beach fiasco, the severe delays and lack of consultation with residents to implement badly needed repairs to Deganwy Promenade, and the unrepaired coastal path at Conwy Morfa are further examples of a failure of political and strategic leadership.
" The Council Leader receives an annual salary of approx £50,000 and is around double the average wage in Conwy, and considerably more than that of frontline council staff.
“It is an insult to them and to our residents that these overspends and lack of democratic process are happening at the very time that the ruling council coalition choose to slap a 5% on council tax bills annually.
“ Many of the recent failings fall squarely within the ERF portfolio and it begs the question why this is allowed to continue without anyone accepting responsibility.
“I would seriously be asking the Leader of the Council Cllr. Dilwyn Roberts to consider his position, along with the responsible Cabinet Member, Cllr. Michael Priestley. It is simply unacceptable that these serial failures should continue without anyone being prepared to take the consequences.”