Full council, 4 November: boundaries, school support staff pay and the Local Development Plan
What full council decided on 4 November, how I voted, and the questions I'm still asking about the joint Local Development Plan with Torfaen.
Jonathan Millard
11/10/20262 min read
Full council met on Wednesday 4 November. Here's what was decided on three items that matter for Ebbw Vale South, how I voted, and what I'm still asking.
Community boundaries
Full council agreed the final recommendations on community and town council boundaries across Blaenau Gwent. Ebbw Vale South stays as it is. Around Ebbw Vale, seven communities become five, and several councils elsewhere get smaller.
I voted for it, but not without raising concerns. I understand why boundaries need to change. What I don't accept is the borough council setting a blanket number of councillors for every community, using a formula of one councillor per 650 people. Community councillors are volunteers. They aren't paid. Each community raised its own views, and I don't think enough notice was taken of them. That figure should be a guide, not a rule.
It's now for the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru to decide, and I hope they give each area the number of councillors that's right for it.
School support staff pay
Full council debated a motion to end term-time-only pay for school support staff in Wales. I support the principle. Teaching assistants and support staff hold our schools together.
But a close family member would benefit directly, so under the councillors' code of conduct I declared an interest and left the meeting for that item. That's the right thing to do, and it keeps the decision clean.
The Local Development Plan
Full council agreed the timetable for the new Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Joint Local Development Plan. It's the plan that decides where homes, jobs and green space go for years to come. The final plan is due in 2030.
In the chamber I asked how the funding shortfall would be found. I've been back through the papers since, and to be straight with you, there isn't one. Around £800,000 has been set aside, the plan is costed at about £705,000, and it's forecast to come in under budget. That's good news.
I was told the costs would be shared 50-50 with Torfaen. On the council's own figures, they aren't. Blaenau Gwent pays about £367,000 (52%) and Torfaen about £337,000 (48%). That's roughly £15,000 more than an even split. It's not a fortune, but it's our money. If it's meant to be 50-50, I want to know why we're paying more.
I also asked what happens if the two councils disagree about how land in Blaenau Gwent is used, or if the joint arrangement doesn't last beyond May 2027. This plan will be with us for a long time, so we need a clear way out if we need one. I'll keep asking.
Residents get their first chance to put forward sites in early 2027. I'll post the dates here.
Cllr Jonathan Millard, Independent, Ebbw Vale South
