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.’

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

ESCA Development Assistant

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £27613.0000 per annum
ESCA Development AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 to £27,613 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Tree Officer - North Herts Council

Essex County Council
£32653.0000 - £36773.0000 per annum
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be advertising the Tree Officer role on before of North Herts Council. To apply for this position, please England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Service Director - Education and Skills

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£98, 135 - £113,630
A pivotal role at the heart of our improvement journey. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Waste Minimisation Support Advisor

Essex County Council
Up to £14.020 per hour
Waste Minimisation Support Advisor - Braintree District Council Braintree, Essex Full-Time, Temporary 37 Hours per Week £14.02 PAYE / £17.95 Umbrella England, Essex, Braintree
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Service Director - Commissioning and Partnerships

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£98, 135 - £113,630
A pivotal role at the centre of our ambitions for children, young people and families across Sandwell. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner