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Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant Hapus!

This month I’d like to talk about how we get around our neighbourhoods and to and from our nearby towns.

Without any scheduled buses in our area, those unable to drive or who cannot afford to run a car face real barriers in accessing public services and risk social isolation. Children are dependent on parents to drive them places, the elderly have to rely on neighbours or taxis, and our carbon footprint is high because of all the car journeys.

But there is now an alternative. The Grass Routes transport scheme is a responsive flexible bus service that makes trips on request. It operates low floor, fully accessible vehicles with volunteer drivers. The scheme is operated by Monmouthshire Council on a membership basis (a one off payment of £5 per household of up to four members) and is open to all members of the community. It costs £3.00 for a single journey and £5.00 for a return journey made on the same day, with a 50% discount for under 16’s and concessionary passes are accepted. 

Most recent users are in the south of the county and there has been very little take up so far in our area – it seems to be a well-kept secret! It can take some time to get through to the booking line (I’m pushing for a better system) but don’t let that put you off. The more users we have in our area, the better the service will be. More details at https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/buses-trains/grass-routes-community-transport/ 

Of course, buses are not the only alternative to cars. Many residents in our area would like to walk, cycle or ride horses – to visit neighbours, to get to places or just to enjoy our stunning countryside. But many feel that our roads are not safe enough to venture out because of speeding traffic. 

I get lots of calls from residents either asking for speed limits to be reduced in their areas, or for better enforcement of existing speed limits. The council’s focus at the moment is rolling out the 20mph limits in built-up areas, but when that is complete later this year we could be pushing for more 30mph and 40mph limits instead of the 60mph limits in force along most of our country lanes. What do you think?

Best wishes,

Ian

Tel: 01291 448270

Email: ianchandler@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Facebook: ianchandlergreen 

Twitter: Ian_Chandler

The post Ian’s column – March 2023 appeared first on Gwent Green Party.

I love the first signs of Spring – lambs, snowdrops and earlier sunrises – but over the last month we have also had periods of extreme cold and a few days of potential flooding. As the rivers were rising, council staff and emergency services were on 24/7 standby, ready to evacuate residents in Monmouth and Skenfrith if needed. Fortunately, there was only limited flooding and the council quickly turned to clearing up the mess left by all the water.

One of the impacts of cold and rain is on our roads. All over the ward, residents have been contacting me about potholes and crumbling verges. I report every case to the highways team, but I’m conscious that they don’t have the capacity to repair them all and so the waiting list is growing. Given the impending cuts to council budgets, the situation is likely to get worse.

Because of rising inflation and increased demand for some council services, the council has faced a potential £26 million shortfall for 23/24 if it is to do the same as this year. Increased support from the Welsh government has reduced that gap to around £11 million. The Labour administration is proposing to address the gap by increasing council tax by 5.95% and reducing spending in a number of areas. There is no easy answer to balancing the books and every choice will make some unhappy. My main concern is that big cuts to the social care budget will affect some of our most vulnerable residents. You can find out more and have your say at https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/budget-2023-2024/ . 

At the last council meeting, I joined with Independent and Conservative councillors to vote down Labour’s proposed ‘Community and Corporate Plan’ which sets out their priorities for the council until the next election in 2027. While I thought the plan takes us in the right direction, it did not provide enough specifics on what they want to achieve and what they would prioritise if hard choices are needed. Given this, we could not support the plan. I am meeting with the leaders of all other parties later this week to see if we can work together to produce a better plan.

Warm wishes,

Ian

The post Ian’s column – February 2023 appeared first on Gwent Green Party.

Lauren James, Green Party councillor for Shaftesbury, said:

“The reports that Newport has the highest CO2 emissions per head make grim but unsurprising reading. 

With 11 Air Quality Management Areas, you’d be forgiven for expecting clear and decisive action from Newport City Council and the Welsh Government – but delivery on the Burns recommendations continues to be hit by delays and the council still hasn’t published the Air Quality Progress report for 2021. 

Residents can’t use a network of alternatives that doesn’t exist yet. The council and Welsh Government have got to step up.”

ENDS

Notes

1. Argus report Newport most polluting city in the UK
2. Newport City Council Air Quality page (the title of the most recent report says 2021 but actually covers the year 2020)

The post Greens call for action as Newport named UK’s most polluting city appeared first on Gwent Green Party.

Proposals by Newport City Council include limiting residential placements for adult social care, slashing opening hours in Oaklands respite and residential care home and reducing staffing in children’s social care by 8 posts – which council officers say will have a significant negative impact on children living in poverty.

Green councillor Lauren James said “Children and adult services are already on a knife edge, yet they are bearing the brunt of the council’s proposed cuts. 

“This budget proposal will come as a devastating blow to some of the city’s most vulnerable people.

“This is essential preventative support and cutting it will put greater burden on our already overstretched schools, health and police services.

“Newport could see an increase in children in care, people in poor health, antisocial behaviour and crime if the council withdraw these lifelines. These services must be protected.”

ENDS

Notes

• Further detail on the council’s budget proposals can be found here
• A consultation on the budget proposals is open until 2nd February 2023
• Fairness, Equality and Impact Assessments of the council’s budget cuts

The post Newport budget proposals ‘devastating blow’ to city’s vulnerable, Greens warn appeared first on Gwent Green Party.

“If this was genuinely about increasing recycling rates, it would have been done a long time ago. This decision is entirely about service cuts.

“It’s not enough to slash a service and hope it increases recycling. Newport is already the worst place in Wales for fly-tipping and litter is a huge problem. What’s going to happen when people can’t get rid of their waste?

“If they are serious about increasing our city’s recycling rates then they must improve their recycling offer, not take services away which some families are dependent on.”

Notes

1. Budget proposals
2. Newport worst in Wales for fly-tipping

The post <strong>Green Party reaction to Newport bin collection proposal</strong> appeared first on Gwent Green Party.

Rising inflation and interest rates are impacting on households, especially those on low or fixed incomes who have little to cushion themselves against these economic shocks. You can get advice on what support is available to you by visiting one of the Community Hubs or calling Monmouthshire Council on 01633 644644. You can also contact Citizens Advice on 0800 702 2020. Note that the UK Government has not yet announced how it will pay the £200 ‘alternative fuel payment’ for those of us using oil to heat our homes and water – hopefully this will be clearer soon.

Monmouthshire Council is also facing its own financial challenges due to rising costs and an increased demand for the services it provides to vulnerable people. 

This financial year it has a shortfall of nearly £9 million that council officers are trying to recover by savings on public services that were already lean after years of austerity. The budget for this financial year was set by the previous Conservative administration in March, when they agreed a council tax increase of 2.95% while inflation was already at 7% and rising. 

The situation for 2023/24 looks worse with a projected shortfall of around £23 million. By mid-December there should be greater clarity on the cost of nationally agreed pay awards and what financial support the Welsh government will give following the UK government’s latest budget. The current Labour administration will consult Monmouthshire residents on its proposed budget in January. Inevitably, all councils in the UK are likely to introduce council tax rises and cuts to services.

I’m sorry to be sharing such worrying news in the lead up to Christmas. Please look out for each other and support those who are struggling in these difficult times.

Warmest wishes,

Cllr Ian Chandler

IanChandler@monmouthshire.gov.uk 

Tel: 01291 448270

Twitter: @Ian_Chandler

Facebook: IanChandlerGreen

The post Ian’s monthly column for December 2022 appeared first on Gwent Green Party.

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

The post Ian’s monthly column for November 2022 appeared first on Gwent Green Party.

Thank you to everyone who put themselves forward. Welcome to new committee members and welcome back to those returning!

• Chair – Lauren James
• Treasurer – Ann Were
• Fundraising Officer – Kerry Vosper
• Election Returns Officer – Philip Davies
• Communications Officer – Tanya Sinnett, Clive Shakesheff, Matthew Barney (job share)
• Membership Secretary – Stephen Gray, Daniel Harvey (job share)
• Newport Coordinator – Lauren James
• Monmouthshire Coordinator – Ian Chandler
• Torfaen Coordinator – Phil Davies

Nominations are now open for coordinators for Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil – so get in touch with Lauren by emailing chair@gwent.greenparty.wales if you’d like more information.

Don’t want a named role but want to get involved? Volunteer here.
Unable to volunteer? Donate now to help us #GetGreensElected.

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