WE CURRENTYL get considerably less per head than Cardiff – despite it being one of the most prosperous cities in the UK.

So the Draft Local Government Settlement was particularly disappointing – as we saw a 3.24 per cent real terms cut to our budget.

Cardiff – meanwhile – saw its budget go up by 0.2 per cent

This shows we are continuing to be ignored by Ministers in Cardiff Bay – who seem to want to pass the buck for their poor decisions down to councils like the Vale.

Their record of financial management is abysmal – demonstrated by the fact that four health boards – including Cardiff and the Vale – may require bailouts.

Yet instead of taking responsibility – they are trying to let others bear the brunt.

This is despite the fact the UK Government have now provided £1.20 to Wales for every £1 spent in England – something Labour in 13 years of government in Westminster never managed.

I’m certainly never one to advocate tax rises – but if the Welsh Government can’t keep their own house in order – they do now have the tools to raise more money.

They of course realise this would go down like a cup of cold sick with the Welsh public.

But why should council tax payers from across Barry have to bear the brunt?

We have the right to demand better services – and be assured I’ll continue to hold the Welsh Government to account on this.

Volunteering plays a key role in our communities across the Vale of Glamorgan.

So it was really pleasing to see people queuing up to help local organisations at Glamorgan Voluntary Services’ volunteer fayre in Barry last week.

There were a wide range of organisations from across Barry and the surrounding areas recruiting new helpers – including the RNLI and the Royal British Legion.

It was good to have the chance to catch up with GVS chief executive Rachel Connor – and Operational manager Clive Curtis – who were both really pleased with how the day went.

Despite the success on the day – they are of course always keen to recruit more people – so if you are keen on volunteering in Barry or across the Vale please do get involved.

A full list of organisations is available on the GVS website – along with contact details of the organisers.

It was a huge pleasure to be invited to the Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival recently.

Organised by the Campaign for Real Ale – the event showcased a variety of Welsh products.

There were a number of “Vale Ales” on show – including the Barry-based Vale of Glamorgan Brewery’s “Speak Easy” IPA.

Microbreweries have become quite a trend recently – and it was excellent to see them going from strength to strength.

They are doing their bit to put Barry and the Vale on the map – and I of course wish them all the best for the future.

I’d definitely recommend trying their fantastic products!