Cllr Ian Chandler’s monthly column for Llantilio Crossenny Parish Magazine
As a County Councillor, I represent residents in the Llantilio Crossenny ward, which covers the area between Skenfrith, Rockfield, Penrhos and Llanvetherine.
Labour have 22 of the 46 council seats, one short of a majority. As the largest party they have formed a minority administration, relying on support from opposition councillors to get their policies and plans agreed. The Conservatives have 18 members and tend to vote as a block. As the sole Green Party Councillor, I sit with the five independent Councillors and we discuss each proposal on their merits before individually deciding how to vote.
At the last council meeting, the Labour cabinet proposed an interim Community and Corporate Plan but we decided it lacked sufficient detail and asked them to come back with a fuller plan in January. This is in the context of a worrying financial position. All councils in Wales are having to deal with high inflation plus increasing demand for services as the cost of living crisis bites, while not knowing how much money the UK Government will be providing to pay for essential services.
I sit on two key Scrutiny committees: The Place Scrutiny committee examines the administration’s proposed plans on all areas other than education and social care. The Performance & Overview committee scrutinises the council’s budgets and how well it is performing against the agreed plans. I also sit on Governance & Audit committee to ensure that the council has effective financial and other control measures in place.
Much of my time is spent supporting local residents and raising issues they are concerned about with the relevant council department. This has included planning matters, broadband access, potholes, traffic speeds, support for those hosting Ukrainian refugees, and much more.
In the ward there are two Community Councils (what used to be called Parish Councils). The southern half of the ward is Whitecastle Community Council and the northern part of Skenfrith Community Council. Both of the community councils have vacancies for members. If you are interested in being co-opted so you can speak up for your local community, please contact me and I can give you more information.
Thank you for reading this. I plan to write a short column each month highlighting council issues relevant to our area. Please contact me if there is anything I can do to help you.
Best wishes,
Cllr Ian Chandler
ianchandler@monmouthshire.gov.uk
01291 448270
