Welsh Labour Councillors on Powys County Council have called for the local authority to begin holding scrutiny committee meetings again.

Their call comes after the Welsh Government provided permission for councils to meet remotely using online tools such as Teams or Zoom.

As the lockdown and social distancing continue, councils in Wales can now hold meetings which allow Councillors to participate from home – just like the Welsh Assembly and UK Parliament have done.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Leader of the Welsh Labour Group, said:

“The Council has been taking some big decisions about the local response to COVID-19, its budget and service provision but there has been no scrutiny or input from local Councillors for well over a month now.

 

“Responding to COVID-19 and supporting our communities is everyone’s top priority.  However scrutiny is important in helping the council make better, more informed decisions that meet the needs of communities across Powys.

 

“We know that the Council’s finances are vulnerable and that key reforms to services have been delayed.  This is on top of important questions around making sure our staff are getting enough PPE, that very vulnerable children and adults are getting the care they need, that our Hub Schools are supported and resourced, that the Council’s finances are sustainable and so our local economy is given the help it needs.

 

“Opposition and backbench Councillors have an important role in holding the decision makers to account and ensuring we get the right answers to those important questions.”