Party of Wales Gwynedd Councillors' Group

There were passionate words from the council chamber at Gwynedd’s recent full council, as councillors supported Plaid Cymru's call to take a stand against cuts to the benefits system which hits Gwynedd's most vulnerable residents.

Cuts to the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit and to help with housing costs mean that the Labour Government has turned its back on the ordinary people of Gwynedd, according to the Plaid Cymru Councillor for Pwllheli, Elin Hywel (pictured).

“I wanted to raise this issue because of the fear and anxiety that these cruel and ideological decisions by Westminster Government has caused to many of my constituents here in the town of Pwllheli, and throughout Gwynedd.

“Policies like this have a direct impact on the daily lives of our most vulnerable residents and I was determined to take a stand on their behalf. I am proud that the rest of Gwynedd Councillors stood with me on this important issue."

There were three stages to the Plaid Cymru Councillor’s proposal (1 May).

1. A call for the Welsh Labour Government to stand up for the people of Wales and demand that their colleagues in Westminster reverse their plans to cut benefits.
2. A call to the Welsh Government and the UK Government to ensure an appropriate budget for the welfare and social support system that benefits the residents of Gwynedd
3. A call for the UK Government to devolve the welfare and benefit system to Wales, together with all the necessary tools so that the Welsh Government can protect, care and sustain our society.

As Gwynedd is a rural county, and, like many other parts of Wales with higher levels of fuel poverty, insecure employment and low income, these cuts have a direct impact on the county's residents.

“These are not figures in a table, but these are real people that are affected by these cuts," explained Councillor Elin Hywel pictured below at the full council's meeting. “We, as councillors, see these individuals in our wards on a regular basis, with some ask for help, while a larger number suffer quietly, on the fringes of society.”

“Local authorities, like Gwynedd, provide support on a moral basis to its residents even though purse strings are tight and the pressure is increasing on the scarce resources available locally. Like many other councils, the local authority has a responsibility to prioritise statutory services such as schools, care for the elderly and protecting vulnerable children," explained the Councillor.

The Council can see the rise in demand for social services; support for older people, people with disabilities, and families in financial crisis. The need for emergency housing is increasing and the demand on mental health and counseling services, which often cannot meet the demand, is also rising.

Recent reports from Shelter Cymru, Citizens Advice and the Westminster’s own Committees acknowledge that the assessment process for ESA and PIP causes serious harm to vulnerable people. It puts more stress on individuals, causes depression and creates anxiety for families.

As Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Leader, Cllr Nia Jeffreys (pictured below), said when supporting the proposal: “'Policy in Practice' research shows that the recent cuts mean that Wales will be affected three times worse than London and the south east of England. Almost 200,000 people in Wales, over 6% of the population, will be affected, with some losing up to £9000 a year.

“The truth is Cyngor Gwynedd is bridging the gap left by Westminster Government and its horrendous underfunding due to these cruel and callous policy. But, despite the stress, remember that we are here. Cyngor Gwynedd's Supporting People programme makes a difference to people's lives. Do ask for help, visit the Citizens Advice Bureau, visit your community hub, local library or talk to your local county councillor. We are here to support each other.”

As Councillor Elin Hywel concluded: “A welfare system that was created to protect people in crisis and support those in need is now a process that punishes people. It is not a lack of funding that drives these cuts but a lack of political will. When a Government allows a beneficial tax system for the rich but fails to maintain a basic income for individuals trying to live on less than £80 a week, that is completely hypocritical.

“I am extremely proud that Gwynedd Councillors gave their support to this proposal and that we as a county send a clear message to Westminster – Cyngor Gwynedd does not agree with its cruelty and we will not stand idly by whilst people are suffering!”