ACCORDING to a councillor, every pound spent by Powys Council (PCC) within the county leads to an extra six circulating around its economy.

Economy and planning portfolio holder, Cllr Martin Weale, (Independent - Llanbadarn Fawr) made the comments as the cabinet approved the draft Vision 2025 Corporate improvement plan annual report.

The report measures the council’s performance against delivering the objectives of the cabinet’s Vision 2025 document, which is central to the work of the Independent/Conservative ruling group.

Cllr Weale said: “I’m proud that we, the cabinet and officers, have grasped the Powys Pound and we are putting money back into Powys on our spend.

“It is very important as every pound we put back in, a survey says, it goes around six times.

“For every £1million, £6million.

“I think it’s £15million (£90million) extra we’ve put in since this cabinet started, and it’s a good thing.”

Cllr Weale pointed out several projects that he’s proud to be part of and added: “let’s just crack on and get on with it.”

Education portfolio holder, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander (Independent – Banwy) added that she wanted to highlight the role of local firms in the schools building programme.

She said the work done at the recently built replacement school in Carno  had been done on time and in budget, to a “very high standard.”

“We believe, in the region of £15 million extra has been put in to the Powys economy by the Powys pound policy and schools have played a significant part in that,” said Cllr Alexander.

Council Leader, Rosemarie Harris, (Independent, Llangynidr) said the authority had organised “Meet the Buyer” days for various projects and businesses.

Cllr Harris added: “I think it’s very important that we do that and Powys County Council is open for business and wants to involve as many as possible.

Finance portfolio holder, Cllr Aled Davies (Conservative – Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant/Llansilin) said that this approach had paid dividends.

Portfolio holder for highways, Cllr Phyl Davies (Conservative – Blaen Hafren) added: “As good as this document is, it does not do justice as it’s difficult to see improvement in this environment and drive that forward.

“We are in challenging times and we constantly look at our services in order to try and future proof them for our communities.”

The objective of Vision 2025, is that Powys will be recognised as a “fantastic place in which to work, live and play.”

It has four main objectives:

  • Developing a Vibrant Economy
  • Providing integrated Health and Care in a rural environment
  • Strengthen learning and skills
  • Supporting Residents and Communities

The annual report will go in front of the next Full Council meeting in July for approval.