ACTION for Powys, the new group at Powys County Council (PCC), has unveiled its latest addition, taking its numbers up to four.

Cllr Jon Williams, who represents Llandrindod East/West, formally moved from The Independent Group to Action for Powys (Action for Council Tax in Our Neighbourhoods) on Tuesday, November 5.

Cllr Williams, spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service about his move.

Cllr Williams: “I was hopeful with over 50 per cent of the councillors being new we would see progression.

“But we have’nt and there are a lot of tough decisions that are not being made.”

“These are around education and social services and we need to be making the right choices for our residents.

“I feel now that cabinet are not listening to what councillors are saying.

“We’re two-and-a-half years into a five year term and there’s not much movement there. People at the top are not listening.”

One of the aims of the new group is to keep next year’s Council Tax to a five per-cent rise following last years 9.5 per cent hike.

Cllr Williams added: “Last year was a big hit for people, it was necessary unfortunately.

“It was agreed to start working earlier for next year’s budget, there has been some discussion, but not enough in my opinion. We need to keep it low for our residents who are struggling.

“We need to be talking to front-line staff not just the senior management.

“As they are the people who know where savings can be made as well.

“Those at the coal face who will know where the service might be failing and can save money, I don’t feel that is happening.

“I want to do the best for my residents and have my input, and I was having no impact as part of The Independent Group.”

Cllr Williams was welcomed to the new group by Action for Powys’ group spokesman Cllr Jeremy Pugh (Builth).

Cllr Pugh said: “Jon is a fantastic councillor and we’re delighted that he has joined us.”

In October Cllr Pugh and former cabinet member Martin Weale (Llanbadarn Fawr) joined forces to create the group.

With a by-election set to take place for the vacant St Mary’s ward in Brecon, on Thursday, November 14, PCC has 72 of its full complement of 73 councillors.

At the moment the numbers at County Hall are:

The Independent Group - 24

Conservative - 18

Liberal Democrat - 14

Labour - 7

Action for Powys - 4

Plaid Cymru - 2

Non-aligned -  2

Green - 1

PCC is run by an Independent/Conservative coalition and the biggest opposition group is the joint Liberal Democrat/Green group.