Powys Council Groups form Alliance

12.00.00am GMT Mon 30th Nov 2009

The two largest groups on Powys County Council have agreed to work together in an historic development which signals a major change for the Council decision making process.

Members of the Powys Independent Alliance and the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group voted today (30th November) to form the Powys Administration, with a view to providing effective political leadership to the Council at a time of unprecedented political and financial pressures.

The Administration will continue to work initially through the existing Fourth Option system introduced some years ago, although a change to a Cabinet system of government has not been ruled out at some time in the future.

Chairman of the Board, Leader of the Powys Independent Alliance and now Leader of the Powys Administration, Cllr Michael Jones said: Local Councils are going to be under increasing strain over the next few years, with both capital and revenue budgets cut or frozen. Already Powys has suffered the lowest settlement in Wales for three years running. At the same time, the Council is pursuing important initiatives to rationalise its property holdings, modernise its schools and deliver social care to a growing elderly population. At a time of such pressures, it is more important than ever that the Council has effective political direction, with the strong leadership that cannot be achieved by minority political groups.

Welcoming the news Councillor Leslie Davies, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group and Deputy Leader of the Powys Administration added: The decision by our two groups to set aside our political differences and work together is in recognition of the very real challenges facing the County Council in meeting the future needs of our residents. We are now in what is officially confirmed as the worst economic downturn to face this country, and the consequences will be with us for years to come. I am confident that forming the Administration presents the opportunity to work together to meet those challenges, and will provide improved political leadership and direction for the Council and our residents.

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