Action demanded to avoid repeat of 9.5 per cent council tax rise

Tax bills land on residents' doormats this week, that have seen the council rise tax by 9.5 per cent.

It is a significant rise for many residents, with some stating they are going to be struggling to make ends meet.

Plaid Cymru councillor Elwyn Vaughan wants work to begin now to make sure a repeat doesn't happen.

He said: "With a 9.5 per cent rate increase this year, fundamental changes have to happen. Powys is a low wage economy and even though we have a higher than average self-employed that often is a matter of must and not a guarantee of higher income.

“It is imperative therefore that the Independent/Conservative-led cabinet take steps and we propose the following as ones that should be done to lighten the pressure on Powys residents in the future."

Second homes

Councillor Vaughan has proposed the council do a host of things to help their financial situation, including working with other rural councils such as Ceredigion and Gwynedd. He added: "This is to ensure a better funding formula for rural Wales, and to operate as a Celtic Knot, binding everyone together rather than being some sort of ‘lone ranger’ isolated and alone."

He has also called for a 100 per cent tax on second homes that could raise the council £900,000 annually.

He believes the council should aim to sell £20 million worth of additional assets in order to develop a capital investment fund that would save £1.2m a year of interest or £30 million over the 25 years.

He added: "Review the education provision to ensure that it is appropriate and suitable for the 21st century and making the best use of resources and assets

"And yes children’s social services will have to save at least £2 million a year – the present situation is not sustainable.

"Powys Council has to correct the image of historical inaction, parochialism and inability to take decisions and implement a positive vision for the future. Powys residents cannot be continually squeezed.”