MEMBERS of the independent group on Monmouthshire County Council been criticised by the leader of the council after refusing an invitation to stand on a public platform with the other political parties during the public engagement events regarding the financial future of Monmouthshire reports STEPHEN PENN. 

This week saw the start of the five planned community events that will look at the financial challenges the county faces over the next four years and all political parties were invited to share the stage with the partnership administration as part of the consultation exercise. 

However, the council's independent group turned down the invitation saying that it did not 'have confidence in the present coalition administration'.

In a letter to council leader, Councillor Peter Fox, independent leader Councillor Simon Howarth acknowledged the seriousness of the financial situation in Monmouthshire, but said group members felt the problems faced had been caused by successive administrations, and had concerns that money had not always been spent wisely. 

In the frank letter the group's members said they felt that in order to work together effectively, they required equal access to information and inclusive working practices which they feel do not feel currently exist. 

This letter and the refusal to take a public role in the community meetings have been criticised by Councillor Fox, coming they do at what he describes as a 'vital time' for Monmouthshire 

"As all I'm sure realise, we have massive financial challenges facing Monmouthshire. It was very important to me as leader recognising that we were facing such difficult times, that we go out to talk to our communities and help them to understand the context of the challenges ahead," said Councillor Fox.

"I extended an invitation to all group leaders to share a platform to meet that aim.

"It seems though from the independent group leader's letter to me that the offer of senior jobs is the price to stand with me and talk to our communities - communities we were all elected to serve.

"I'm sure this is not the view held by all independent members."

Speaking to the Chronicle, Councillor Simon Howarth said, "I'm really disappointed that this letter has been presented as just my views, as the group got together to discuss it, and it was voted unanimously that we would take the action to abstain from being on stage with the other parties. 

 "If there had been any trepidation from any independent councillor we would not have taken this action, but we all agreed it was not appropriate for us as opposition to stand on a stage and act as if we are in this together. 

 "We just feel we have not been informed or consulted enough on this, and we think that if we are expected to take part in this way, then we should be invited to share lead roles within the council." 

Independent councillors have also expressed concern over the fact that many of the public have not been directly informed about the issues at hand, and do not want to be seen to support this. 

Councillor Howarth said, "We have been told that only two in ten households actually received the newsletter that was intended to go out to all households telling them about these events and this is another thing that we cannot not condone. 

We cannot get behind this lacklustre activity, when the effort has not been made to inform the people as much as possible at this time." 

Trellech United councillor Debby Blakebrough also expressed dissatisfaction at the work the council has done so far with regard to its financial responsibility. 

Debby said, "We feel that the council has taken for granted the little things, and not been as careful with finances as it should have been. As they say, if you take care of the pennies the pounds will take care of themselves." 

The group also moved to dispel any criticisms of how their lack of involvement will look to voters saying that councillors have already been out in communities speaking to the public on some of the issues that have arisen from these budget suggestions. 

Councillor Howarth said, "All of our councillors have been out to public meetings, regarding such things as Usk library, and we are working hard to put together a way to help the rate payers of Monmouthshire." 

He added that it was felt that independent councillors' attempts to consult with the public has previously been ignored or and regarded disdainfully by the council's administration

Councillor Blakebrough said, "We have been looked on as if we are stepping on toes, but I would have assumed they would be happy about us engaging, as we need to show the people of Monmouthshire that we are passionate about the issues and listening to their concerns." 

The group has said it will be attending all the public engagement events being held this week, and will actively take part in engaging with the public.

"We are simply refusing to stand together with the other parties in relation to the issue," said Councillor Blakebrough

"We will still attend the public consultations and will still engage, as this is such a vital time to consult the people on the changes they feel need to be made and have their best interests in anything we do.

"We will also report all ideas, concerns and aspirations back to council," said Councillor Howarth

Councillor Blakebrough added, "There are going to be cuts, there is no doubt about that, and we will be talking to the public at these meetings to work out what is best for them, we just will not be standing united with the other parties at this time."

• Monmouthshire County Council has said that £5,884.13 was spent on design, printing and distribution of the newsletters, with a print run of 46,500, averaging at 12.6p per newsletter.

It is understood that a problem with the distribution meant that some households did not receive the newsletter in good time, although the council has said that it is available to view on its website.

A spokesman said," We've started an ambitious programme of community engagement and we're committed to working with our communities to meet the significant financial challenges ahead.

"One of the ways we're reaching people is through events we've extensively publicised through the media, posters, social media and our corporate website, at minimal cost.

"Before the events, we sent a newsletter to our residents which outlined the financial challenges that we face.

"We paid a distribution company to send the newsletter to every household in the county.

"We were delighted by the attendance at the first meeting in Monmouth and are confident that people will be encouraged by news items like this to attend the next four.

We've had excellent feedback from residents about our approach so we're confident we're on the right track." he said.