THE decision to remove town and community councillors from Powys Public Service Board has been described as “very disappointing” by the head of One Voice Wales.
One Voice Wales (OVW) in the umbrella organisation that provides help and advice for town and community councils.
Trefeglwys community councillor Derrick Pugh is the OVW representative for Montgomeryshire and Ystradfellte community councillor, Hugh Pattrick is the OVW representative for Brecon and Radnorshire.
They both expected to be part of a PSB meeting on Monday, February 27, and were told just minutes before it started that they were no longer PSB members.
OVW chief executive, Lyn Cadwallader said: “It’s naturally very disappointing.
“Both Derrick and Hugh are members of our National Executive committee and are highly respected councillors.
“The work they have done over the years representing the sector is second to none.
“The Powys PSB had invited representatives of OVW to attend meetings three years ago.
“They have been regular attendees, making contributions and communicating effectively back to town and community councils in Powys.
“I will be taking the matter up with chief executive of Powys County Council for an explanation.
“On a national basis we’ll be taking the matter up with the (Welsh Government) minister.
“The PSBs are an important vehicle for decision making and project development – and it not good community and town council who are playing an increasingly more active role in their communities are not at the table to proffer a view or make a contribution.
He added that the Audit Wales had called for more collaboration between Unitary authorities and town and community councils.
Mr Cadwallader said: “The Welsh Government encourage collaboration and cooperation.
“On the other hand, we see this decision which seems to fly in the face of everything the government wants to achieve.”
In Wales there are 735 town and community councils and 112 of these are in Powys.
