COUNCILLORS SLAM UK CUTS TO BENEFITS BUDGET

COUNCILLORS have slammed the UK Government's bid to slash £5billion from the benefits bill for the impact cuts could have on the “most vulnerable” residents.

- By DALE SPRIDGEON Local Democracy Reporter

Councillor Elin Hywel had asked Cyngor Gwynedd to note the “disproportionate and cumulative effects of austerity policies” on the county's residents - the result of successive UK governments, whether Conservative or Labour.

She raised a notice of motion which was approved, during Cyngor Gwyedd’s full council meeting. With a proportion of 18.1% of Gwynedd’s population considered disabled, her notice stated the people of Gwynedd would “be hit particularly hard”.

They were also less likely to be in employment with only 50.5% in paid jobs, and more likely to rely on benefits.”

She called on the council to note its “growing responsibility” to mitigate the “brutal effects of austerity policies,” through its services.

“We are seeing an increase in demand for services, such as social housing, emergency accommodation and social care, and the subsequent increasing cost of maintaining these services,” she said.