Chris Holley digs in

Stung by a piece in yesterday's EPost in which John Miles accurately pointed out that Neath Port Talbot had passed on all their increase from the Welsh Assembly plus 50% of the teacher's pay settlement, Chris Holley hit back. Clearly the attacks on his Administration's financial incompetence and his weak leadership got under his considerable skin and he sent off a moan to the EPost. The Sage of Cwmbrwla claimed that, unlike him - who was nothing if not open and transparent - Labour were wrong, not telling the truth and were following a party line. He claims that if Swansea were paid the same as NPT, it would have many additional millions. He doesn't mention however, the many many millions that he has wasted - see the earlier blogpost. Oh dear, oh dear. I'll leave it to you to decide who's open and transparent etc.

I post John Miles' reply to the attack.
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Cllr John Miles, Labour’s Education spokesman said, “It’s clear the Council Leader doesn’t understand how the formula works. It’s a pity he wasn’t listening to Cllr Stuart Rice (the Finance Cabinet Member) at last week’s Cabinet meeting. If he was, he’d know that comparisons per head of the population are entirely misleading and irrelevant, as the percentage differences between the authorities are the same as last year"

He said, "The real difference between the two authorities is that NeathPort Talbot is run by Labour whilst Swansea is run by the Lib-Dems and Independents.”

Cllr Miles said, “The truth is that NeathPort Talbot has increased Education spending in line with its increase from the Assembly plus it has provided 50% of the teachers pay rise, whilst Swansea has cut Education spending by almost 1%, mainly to direct funds to Social Services. Education recently passed its Estyn inspection with flying colours whilst Social Services is in crisis, with Children’s Services in Special Measures. What Chris Holley is doing is rewarding failure and punishing success.

Cllr Miles said, “Chris Holley should remember that old political adage – ‘when you’re in a hole stop digging’.”