Call for restraint (From Penarth Times)

Call for restraint

INDEPENDENT Vale of Glamorgan members have hit out at other councillors who did not vote against a motion to increase their allowances.

Llantwit Major Cllr, John Readman, wanted all the councillors to vote in favour of a reduction in their allowances, because of the reduction in the Assembly Government grants.

At the beginning of November the Assembly announced that the Vale of Glamorgan would be getting one of the lowest subsidies in the country. It will be 200 less per person than neighbouring boroughs.

He said: "I think that the reduction in expenses would be worth a lot of money which could be spent on services for the taxpayer."

Independent councillors, Gwyn John, Eric Hacker and John Readman, put a motion forward to reduce the basic allowance and special responsibility allowance.

The motion read'In recognition of the anticipated reduced level of revenue support grant from the Welsh Assembly, and the revaluation of banding of domestic properties, this council wishes to demonstrate it's commitment to saving money by agreeing to reductions in allowances. The basic allowance for all elected members be reduced by 10 percent, and the special responsibility allow-ances be reduced by 20 percent.'

Cllr John said: "These measures will result in savings of around 100,000. This money could be ploughed back in to essential services."

At the full Vale of Glamorgan Council meeting a recommendation was made to increase the allowances, which was agreed on the night.

Independent member, Cllr Readman added: "Council taxpayers will have to tighten their belts, so it's only right and proper that the elected members should also do so.