HOPES of Christmas with ‘dignity’ for hundreds of Llanelli families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis have been put on hold
by Plaid-led Carmarthenshire Council, a Labour town councillor claimed today.
County council interim leader, Councillor Linda Evans, was unable to
give a date for the much-needed and hoped for roll-out of an exciting multibank, offering quality unused toys, clothes and vital household items to families in need, at last week’s full council meeting.
Labour County Councillor Martyn Palfreman, who proposed a motion to county council on April 9 – which was passed unanimously – said last Wednesday : ‘We are still awaiting a firm, costed way forward.’
Pressing his question, councillor Palfreman said: ‘There is still no clear indication of when those living in poverty in Carmarthenshire can expect to have access to the clothing, household goods and toiletries provided through the multibank.’Councillor Evans
was asked to give a date when those in need in Carmarthenshire, would start receiving the free items. She said she could not.
After the meeting, town councillor Shaun Greaney, who was behind a motion to spearhead the Llansamlet, Swansea-based Cwtch Mawr Multibank’s expansion into Carmarthenshire on April 2, having previously visited the Swansea multibank, said he ‘deeply regretted
‘ the delays.
‘It means hundreds of Llanelli families facing great hardship as Christmas looms will struggle to get the toys their children are looking forward to
,’ said councillor Greaney, who represents Lliedi ward.
‘It is hugely disappointing
that this vital aid has been delayed so long by an authority which says it has made tackling poverty a priority.’
Councillor Palfreman, who represents Llanelli’s Hengoed ward
, said: ‘It’s vital that people living in poverty in Carmarthenshire have access to the support offered by the multibank as soon as possible.
‘Despite considerable help for our most vulnerable residents from Labour in Cardiff Bay and increased investment by the UK Government, thousands continue to struggle with the cost of living and this will only get harder as Christmas approaches.
‘Whilst I welcome the moves by the County Council to explore how the multibank might operate here, I’m concerned at the length of time it’s taking to get this vital service established.
‘I’ll continue to apply pressure until the benefits of its services are felt in all parts of Carmarthenshire.’
