Dispute over service cuts gets political (From Penarth Times)

Dispute over service cuts gets political

FRESH allegations by Plaid Cymru councillors of serious cuts to vital services have been rubbished by the Vale of Glamorgan Council leader.

During a report to Dinas Powys Community Council, Cllrs Chris Franks, Chris Williams, Margaret Randall and Val Hartrey warned social services faced a difficult time as the local authority tries to tighten its belt in the wake of the low National Assembly subsidy.

It has been suggested that four residential and specialist care facilities could be under threat of closure.

These are Gardenhurst in Penarth, Bryneithin in Dinas Powys and Hen Goleg day centre and Maes-y-Coed family centre in Barry.

But Cllr Jeffrey James, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, has disputed the claims by Plaid Cymru as political wrangling.

He said: "It saddens me that some of my colleagues, despite having a great deal of experience and knowledge of the budget review process, seek to gain political capital by issuing statements which arouse unnecessary worries for groups of vulnerable residents across the area.

"The headline savings offered by officers, which included the possible closure of certain community services complexes, have never been supported by any council members of whatever political persuasion.

"The budget process has already involved the four scrutiny committees, and the budget review group will be making recommendations to Cabinet and the Council in the next couple of weeks."

But Plaid Cymru is challenging the assurances being given by the council.

*eader of Plaid in the Vale, Chris Franks, said: "These cuts would affect the most vulnerable in society.

"The closures of the care centres were put forward to councillors. These suggestions must have been serious options, or is the Cabinet saying that it was all a farce or that the threats were only a joke?