Lack of delivery - hallmark of Labour government

24/01/2012

Plaid Cymru AM, Bethan Jenkins, has said that Labour’s lack of delivery is a record to be ashamed of. The Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales West said that the reality of Labour government has been uncertainty, confusion, downgraded services, reduced terms and conditions for council workers and a distinct lack of delivery.

Bethan Jenkins AM highlighted areas where she said that Labour has failed to deliver:

- On the economy - the Labour government has failed to deliver a proper economic stimulus plan to help the people of Wales through these tough economic times

- On education – the Labour government has delivered uncertainty in schools with the banding system which has undermined schools and cause confusion amongst pupils and parents

- On health – rather than delivering, the Labour government appears intent on dismantling the health service on a local level

- In local government – Labour councils have treated their workforces with contempt slashing 40% off the wages of some of the lowest paid workers, even threatening them with a lock-out if they did not accept.

Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins said:

“Labour should be ashamed of their record of delivery in the eight months since they formed the Welsh government. In education, health, the economy and local government they have delivered nothing of value. At a time when the people of Wales are looking to their government to help protect their jobs, Labour has failed to deliver a proper economic stimulus plan. In health they are intent on delivering what they promised they would not deliver – a downgrading plan which will dismantle the health service on a local level. In education, their school banding plans have caused uncertainty among parents, pupils and teachers and have undermined the standing of schools in their communities.

“In Labour run councils in Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and RCT, they have treated their workforces shamefully, slashing wages by up to 40% and threatening lock outs and dismissal for non-compliance.

“Labour seems content to sit-back and let Wales feel the full force of the economic crisis so that they can blame the Tories for all that goes wrong.” 

Aberavon MP Hywel Francis claimed back £1,234 or 12 first-class train journeys

Report from http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk 

Aberavon MP Hywel Francis claimed back £1,234 or 12 first-class train journeys (an average of £102) and £386 for three standard fares.

FOUR South Wales MPs spent almost £14,000 of taxpayers' cash on first-class train travel last year, it has been revealed.

Shadow Welsh Secretary Peter Hain, Swansea East MP Sian James, Llanelli MP Nia Griffith and Aberavon MP Hywel Francis had a total of £13,646 reimbursed through expenses for first-class train tickets in the past 12 months. Llanelli MP Nia Griffith claimed back £5,374 for 28 first-class train journeys in 2010/11 (an average of £191). She claimed a further £1,209 for nine standard-class tickets, the figures show.

Neath MP Peter Hain claimed back £4,166 for 31 first-class train journeys (an average of £134) and just £5.15 for one standard fare.

Swansea East MP Sian James claimed back £2,871 for 15 first-class train tickets (an average of £191) and £254 for two standard fares.

Aberavon MP Hywel Francis claimed back £1,234 or 12 first-class train journeys (an average of £102) and £386 for three standard fares.

Across Wales, it has been claimed that MPs claimed more than £50,000 for first-class train tickets in 2010/11.

Emma Boon, campaign director at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "Taxpayers in Wales will be deeply disappointed by the news that MPs are shelling out on first-class travel so often. On some occasions, a first-class ticket may represent the best value for money, but MPs should be doing their bit to minimise costs and getting value for taxpayers' money.

"The fact that so luxurious travel is being used so often shows that some MPs still just don't get it."

Ms James has defended her claims for first-class fares.

Her spokesman said trains between London and Neath could be busy — even off-peak with a booked ticket — and Ms James prefers to do her parliamentary work in the same environment as other business people.

He said: "If you plan on doing several hours of work beforehand, you're not getting someone working at their best.

"We're talking about a three-hour journey and three hours of work you want to get done.

"Once you get to Parliament your time is pretty much set up.

"It's a conscious choice made by Sian and one she's happy to account for.

"She's pretty insistent she provides value for money.

"The idea is you go below whatever is the standard open class fare. That journey is £320 return, the first-class off-peak is £209."

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) allows claims up to a maximum price of an "anytime standard open" ticket for the journey.

Guidelines say Members of Parliament should have regard to the most cost-effective way to undertake a journey and encourages them to pick off-peak and advance options.

Commuters, who booked yesterday, could travel between Swansea and London Paddington today on an off peak return ticket costing just £83. Alternatively, a National Express coach open return journey between Swansea and London would set you back £46 but takes more than six hours each way.