Dan Peters 24 October 2018

Minister embroiled in 'Oliver Twist' row

Welsh local authorities have called on the First Minister to consider sacking his colleague in charge of councils after he labelled councillors ‘Oliver Twists’.

Cabinet secretary for local government Alun Davies had said ‘a lot’ of councillors had asked him for ‘more’.

But Welsh Local Government Association deputy leader, Cllr Rob Stewart, said Mr Davies’ comments were ‘inappropriate’ and accused him of ‘belittling those who are arguing for proper levels of funding to support those treasured services such as education, social care, housing and transport for the most vulnerable communities across Wales’.

Cllr Stewart continued: ‘The remarks from the cabinet secretary are deeply unfortunate and inappropriate, particularly bearing in mind that he is supposed to be the voice of local government around the Welsh Government Cabinet table.

‘We call on the First Minister to distance himself from the comments of the cabinet secretary and consider whether or not it is appropriate for him to remain in the Cabinet in his current position.

‘We make no apologies for asking for more resources from Welsh Government to save those services provided by hardworking teachers, youth workers, librarians and care workers that protect the communities of Wales.’

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Accounting Officer

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Accounting OfficerPermanent, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 to £14.13 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team Settle, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

HR Business Partner

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 pro rata per annum
Health and Social Care Services have the privilege and responsibility of supporting people and their families when they need it the most. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Building Surveyor (Building Control)

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 to £44,075
Join our energetic and collaborative Building Control team, where your ideas will shine, and your voice will be heard. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Occupational Health Technician

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC15 £30,024
Could you play a vital role in protecting and promoting the wellbeing of an entire workforce? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner