Labour vote will punish people (From South Wales Argus)

Labour vote will punish people

3:22pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in Letters

WEDNESDAY, March 6, is a day to be remembered by the people of Blaenau Gwent.

On that day Blaenau Gwent Council set the budget for 2013/2014. The public gallery at the civic centre was packed with people there to protest about the council’s proposals. What happened? The Labour-controlled council imposed a 4.6% increase in council tax for the coming year. One of the highest rises in Wales, and in the most deprived area too. The council also agreed to cease to fund the Market Hall and cinema, effectively closing it. At the meeting all Labour councillors voted in favour of the proposals. A disgraceful decision which will punish the residents. All independent councillors present voted against.

This time last year when the Independents were in control the council tax increase was 2.6%. Do you recall the rumpus caused by Labour? The discrediting letters in the press was a political ploy just before the May 2012 elections. The electorate was deceived. What about the tax rise this year, then? The councillors who voted for this massive rise while closing the Market Hall have treated the communities with contempt and they now may have to explain to their constituents why they voted for a 4.6% rise? Why did they not support the Independents or at least abstain?

John J Hopkins and Kevin J Brown Independent Councillors Brynmawr Ward