Former councillor hits out at "gravy train" (From Barry And District News)

Former councillor hits out at "gravy train"

A FORMER Barry councillor has hit out at what he calls a "gravy train" mentality in the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

John Donovan, 61, of Broad Street, who represented the Baruc ward on the South Glamorgan County Council until 1995, said: "We can expect to see salary increases for council officers and increased allowances for councillors which will of course be announced after the June elections.

"In this financial year we spent a total of £782,210.79 on Vale councillors through salaries and expenses. Surely, it is time to stop this gravy train. I say no increases for council officers and no increases for councillors - better still no payments to councillors at all.

"Barry was built and developed by men of vision, residents and taxpayers who worked to improve the services and facilities of the town

"If and when we get real value for our rates, then officers should be rewarded with salary increases.

John added: "Any inquiry regarding street cleaning, street lighting, road signs or residents parking and our councillors will patiently listen then sadly announce he will do all that he can, but the problem is there is no money left in the budget. If we didn't pay out nearly four million pounds to councillors over the next five years, there might be something left in the budget."

A council spokesman said: "The Hay Group, acknowledged experts in the field of public and private sector pay, have produced a report for elected members showing that senior managers' pay in the Vale of Glamorgan is below that paid to individuals undertaking similar roles elsewhere in Wales.

"The report, which recommends the development of a performance contract requiring Vale officers to relinquish existing contractual rights, has received preliminary consideration by the Council's all party Change Board who recognise the significant progress achieved by the authority which is now recognised as one of the most improved councils in Wales."