WE ARE living in a time of austerity and live in one of the poorest areas in Wales where wages are stagnant.

 

We are living in a time when every household is facing increased charges from gas and electricity companies; from the Water Board; from insurance companies; from the county council; police authority and some community councils.

In the midst of this the county council, by a small majority, has voted to increase every county councillor’s allowance by another £100.

It is my understanding that this increase was not mandatory but merely a suggestion from the Local Government Remuneration Council for Wales and that each and every county councillor can, in writing, refuse it.

To add insult to injury, to save money, the county council agreed that the paddling pool in Milford Haven, used by local infants, will not be opened this summer unless the town council – which has very little money – funds it.

This would seem to suggest that the majority of county councillors value themselves more than young children.

Perhaps, with the county council elections tabled for May this year, the electors could ask each and every candidate who appears on their doorstep whether they voted for this increased allowance and whether it was justified.

JOHN COLE

Milford Haven