A Tenby county councillor has once again called for community councils to be abolished in their current guise, labelling them as ‘unsustainable’.

Cllr Michael Williams who represents the seaside town’s North Ward has written to Pembrokeshire County Council leader David Simpson suggesting once again that if the Local Authority doesn’t start delivering then, the implementation of the ‘Williams Commission’ (The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales established by the Welsh Government) should be considered.

Cllr Williams took a similar stance earlier this year, stating in correspondence to PCC’s leader: “Abolish the current toothless talking shops that are town and community councils, which appear to cost a considerable amount of taxpayers’ money, delivering little if anything, and devolve real power and funding to local community authorities with real powers.”

In further communication to PCC’s leader last week and Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Leisure, Cllr Williams stated: “Given the already parlous state of Local Authority finances even before yesterday’s financial announcements, surely the question must be asked, is Local Government as it is now constituted any longer viable?

“I fear that currently we are barely fulfilling our statutory duties, while we can all see services that are being starved of finance.

“Is it not time to re-examine the Williams Commission? After the rejection of their recommendations, a great play was put forward that Local Authorities should, and would cooperate far more closely, I can’t see any evidence of this happening on the scale promised.

“Minor authorities in Pembrokeshire now cost taxpayer in excess of £2M annually , and this is unsustainable.

“In their current form they contribute little if anything, and my interpretation of the Williams Commission addressed this very issue, making realistic recommendations to enhance their contribution and performance,” he continued, asking if it was not time for Local Authority members to address the matter.

“We will very shortly have an enhanced Senedd, which will gain more powers in future years, thus reducing the need for twenty-two County authorities,” continued Cllr Williams.

“With two services, education and social care taking in excess of 70% of the Pembrokeshire budget, it’s time to take a more realistic approach to the way we deliver services. Maybe it is time for some turkeys to vote for Christmas!” he added.