Powys leaders call for clarity on Energy Statement

The leaders of Powys Partnership administration Cllr James Gibson-Watt (Lib Dem) and Cllr Matthew Dorrance (Lab) have called on the UK Government to provide greater clarity on their energy plans.

"Whilst we welcome Liz Truss' U-turn on the energy freeze it is a pity she didn't retain the current levels but still insisted on a small rise. This will not help the many Powys families who are already struggling with fuel bills and who will be unable to heat their homes this winter," they commented.

"We will now continue with developing our plans for a coordinated approach to providing safe, warm spaces across the County this winter to alleviate the impact of the crisis."

"The situation for the Council also remains unclear. The statement that English Schools will receive support for 6 months infers we will get something as a result but not how much and the lack of clarity beyond March means we enter the budget cycle with no idea how much it will cost to heat our schools, libraries, leisure centres and offices."

"If the UK Government expects Councils to increase Council tax to allow BP and Shell shareholders an inflated dividend they should stand up and say so. We expect the Chancellor to step up in the coming fortnight and spell out the additional support he is giving to local government and the wider public sector to stave off the threat of huge council tax increases next year and we expect our MPs to do their duty and tell him that in no uncertain terms."