'Gang of 10' lead £50,000 revolt

Powys council says it has a huge impact on the local economy

Ten Powys councillors are to lead a revolt over plans to spend £50,000 to fund a study on how the local authority can promote itself.

Two weeks ago a group of councillors agreed by a narrow margin to support the proposal to pay for consultants to identify the importance of the council's work to the local economy.

But only 25 of the county's 73 councillors took part in discussions before voting 13-12.

On Monday the ten disgruntled councillors will demand that the decision is overturned.

This matter wasn't discussed properly because it came up right at the end of the previous meeting and only 25 councillors took part in the vote Councillor Joe Griffiths

Powys council officers said the authority was inadequately recognised and need to increase its profile in the run-up to what is expected to be a tough budget settlement next year.

Naughty

"This matter wasn't discussed properly because it came up right at the end of the previous meeting and only 25 councillors took part in the vote," said one of the ten, Newtown's Joe Griffiths.

"It's a bit naughty to take £50,000 out of the budget with only a third of the council taking part in the discussion."

Another, Kerry member, Kath Roberts-Jones, said: "I was unable to attend the previous meeting and I believe it is important that this matter is fully heard.

Joe Griffiths says the issue has not been properly discussed

"Now is not the time to spend this amount of money on a feasibility study."

A report to councillors said the county was concerned that the significance, relevance and value of its work had been undersold, and promotion.

It also said it would also encourage nominations and electoral turn-out for next summer's council elections.

A council spokesman said it employed more than 7,000 and had a huge economic impact locally.

"Although the consultation is partly to market Powys council we can also use the information from the consultation to inform future lobbying and campaigns," he said.