R JONES is mistaken to claim that it was ‘Labour’ who originally approved high pay rises for senior Caerphilly Council officers (Letters, 9th February). In fact, the senior remuneration committee that approved the rises was ‘politically balanced’, with Labour and Plaid Cymru representatives. It was Labour – the Labour group of Caerphilly councillors – that overturned that original decision once they were made aware of it, and brokered a much lower, fairer pay settlement which was approved by the full Council. Yes, the costs of keeping the three senior officers on suspension have been considerable – but that was due to legal delays. It’s wrong that the Tory Westminster government has refused to compensate Caerphilly Council for these costs. 

Cllr Gez Kirby
St Andrews Drive
Pontllanfraith