Andrew RT Davies has asked the Labour-run Vale of Glamorgan to “show some compassion” following a suggestion by the Council Leader that low-income families could take out a loan to afford parking permits.
Cllr Lis Burnett was discussing plans for parking proposals in the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee when she said: “We are looking to see whether or not there is any interest in having a combined season ticket.
Cllr Burnett added: “I have a previous conversation with a credit union there is a possibility that some people will be able to access a low-cost loan through the credit union to be able to pay.”
The Vale Council is proposing a 6.9% council tax rises and claims it will raise £500,000 from parking changes.
Figures released by the TaxPayers’ Alliance in 2024 found that 10 Vale of Glamorgan Council employees received more than £100,000 in total remuneration in the previous financial year.
Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central and former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said:
“After this shocking statement, I think it’s time for the Vale Council to take a step back and show some compassion.
“The cost of living crisis is still very much a part of people’s day-to-day lives in Wales, and councils cannot put so much financial pressure on them that they have to take out loans just to be able to afford to park their cars.
“The Council must look at cutting back on senior officer pay before they put such huge financial stress on hardworking families.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Vale of Glamorgan Council’s proposals to save money.