James Evans accused Powys County Council of promising one thing and delivering another in the Senedd this week.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS asked Local Government Secretary, Jayne Bryant, what she is doing to ensure councils actively engage with and reflect community views in their decision-making.

He said: “The Liberal Democrats who run Powys County Council have gone against community views on a number of occasions - whether it's closing small schools, selling off county farms or closing day centres and leisure centres.

“That's not listening to community views. It shows the Liberal Democrats yet again promise one thing and deliver another.

“Do you agree with me that, when people make promises on election manifestos, they should stick to them and listen to community views when they propose ideas for their areas?”

Ms Bryant said councils have duties under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 to encourage participation in decision-making.

She told Mr Evans: “They are required to publish participation strategies which must include how the council promotes and supports ways for local people to make representations about decisions to ensure community views are fully considered.

“I hear heckles from sedentary positions. I think it's really important that public participation happens with local authorities.

“We have the trust of the people who we represent, and local authorities do as well. They have really difficult decisions to make.

“But when developing their plans, I do expect local authorities to consider carefully the decisions and accessibility to their communities to make sure they are making the right decisions for the people they seek to serve.”

In response to the exchange, Cllr Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: “The council is committed to working closely with residents to shape essential local services. Even in the face of financial pressures, Powys County Council remains focused on delivering sustainable services that reflect residents’ needs.

“We have a duty to encourage participation in decision making, to reach out, to engage, and to listen. In 2023, we published our Public Participation Strategy which openly encourages clear communication and community feedback on a wide range of matters that are important to our diverse communities of place and interest.

“I have shown a clear and personal commitment to open and transparent communication and active listening by establishing “Time to Talk”, hearing first hand points of view direct from residents.

“We are currently engaged in a far-reaching Let’s Talk exercise and have commissioned PAVO to assist us by reaching out far and wide into our communities to ensure that all voices are heard and not drowned out by those that continually shout the loudest.

“In recent months we have used different engagement methods to ensure residents can have their say on a range of issues including schools, day centres, leisure facilities, and county farms.

“In addition to our Have Your Say online engagement platform, we have held face-to-face meetings, public meetings and stakeholder workshops. We often work closely with elected members so that community feedback is taken into account throughout the process.

“But listening to the views of others and taking their opinions into account whilst reaching a different conclusion is definitely not the same as ‘not listening’. As the Cabinet Secretary said in her reply, local authorities must continue to support people in making representations and further ensure that their views are fully considered in any decisions reached.

“During the second quarter of this year, our Performance Report identifies over 2,500 residents engaged with various consultations, and our Annual Self-Assessment shows that feedback was received on more than 40 individual projects across education, social care, and infrastructure.

“These numbers reflect a robust approach to engagement through multiple channels.”