Labour’s pledge on rural schools
A LABOUR administration in Carmarthenshire would try to protect small and rural schools from closure, introduce “skip days” for people to get rid of junk, and consult residents about increasing council tax for second homes by up to 300%.
The party, which is currently in opposition, has published a 32-page manifesto ahead of the council elections on May 5.
It would explore ways of enforcing minimum energy efficiency standards in the private housing rental sector, create an extra 100 allotments, and introduce a subsidised Actif membership card for all residents to encourage visits to country parks, leisure, culture and tourism facilities.
The manifesto contains more than 110 pledges and aspirations – some reflecting Welsh Labour pledges, most specific to Carmarthenshire. They include: ■■Fast-track £73 million of investment in new schools while seeking to protect small and rural schools. ■■Try to ensure all pupils can be educated in the language of their choice, which could mean more dual stream schools, and increase opportunities for pupils in all areas of Carmarthenshire. ■■Hold consultations within a year for proposed new schools including Ysgol Dewi Sant (Llanelli), Ysgol Bro Banw and Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman (Ammanford), and Ysgol Teilo Sant and Ysgol Gynradd Llandeilo (Llandeilo). ■■Deliver 2,500 homes over the next five years in tandem with the private sector and housing associations, with a focus on more bungalows. ■■Explore ways of enforcing minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rental sector. ■■Increase the proportion of residential and home care services run in-house by the council. ■■Relaunch a meals on wheels service. ■■Focus on preventative care, and improve support for people living with dementia and their families. ■■Create a council-owned bus company in collaboration with neighbouring authorities. ■■Commission a feasibility study into restarting rail services on the Carmarthen to Llandeilo line, and press for immediate investment for passenger trains to return on the Amman Valley line. ■■Ensure every pupil has access to free or subsidised school buses to primary and secondary schools. ■■Fair and equitable car parking charges across the county. ■■Revise the council’s local development plan to ensure new private housing estates provide electric vehicle charging points. ■■Prioritise capital investment in town centres to regenerate them, and create “green, vibrant” high streets in Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen.