Caerphilly Labour slam Plaid over pay row (From Campaign Series)

Caerphilly Labour slam Plaid over pay row

11:40am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Campaign news

THE Caerphilly council Labour group sought to blame Plaid Cymru for some of the current debacle over officers’ pay, saying the problems with the decision making process highlighted by the Wales Audit Office were not recent developments, saying it had “twice raised concerns with the then Plaid-run council.

“Despite the Wales Audit Office raising issues with the Plaid administration in 2010 and 2012 it remains unclear what, if any action Plaid undertook to address the concerns.”

They added: “The Labour Leadership, with the full support of the Labour Group has acted swiftly and decisively to reverse the original decision regarding Senior Officers pay. Plaid Cymru have brazenly sought political gain from it.

“Plaid Cymru would do well to reflect on their own actions, particularly, how they allowed this situation to develop and continue under their watch.

Meanwhile, Welsh Tory Assembly leader Andrew RT Davies said the position of Harry Andrews as leader of Caerphilly council should be considered in the wake of the senior officer pay scandal.

The Argus asked Mr Davies this morning whether Councillor Andrews should consider his position at the authority.

He said: “I think they should consider it. All people have focused on the last couple of months is this scandal. I don't think the people of Caerphilly want their borough associated with such actions.”

The Assembly opposition leader said there were questions over the “the competency of those senior councillors when they voted through this and recommended this”.

“Surely that's what cabinet style government in local authorities is about, is accountability,” he said.

He added that local government minister Carl Sargeant has been found wanting in not ensuring greater accountability.

The Conservative party does not have any councillors on the Caerphilly council.