More than 100 candidates standing in this year’s local elections have officially backed a list of top priorities to protect public services.
UNISON Cymru/Wales launched its list of key measures to secure a solid future for vital services and the working conditions of those who provide them at the Venue Cymru in Llandudno.
Over the past four weeks, a total of 117 candidates hoping to win hearts and minds at the ballot box have signed up to support these priorities which cover eight key areas.
Click here for a full list of candidates backing UNISON priorities
UNISON wants to see those seeking election to be dedicated to bring key services back under direct council control as well as an end to local authorities commissioning social care contracts to private providers.
The union is also calling for a stop to the scandalous system of only paying school support staff during term time as well as a fair and transparent system for assessing what pay different jobs should get as it is now more than 10 years since this type of evaluation was carried out in Wales.
Tackling climate change and driving forward urgent social housing and council house building are also among top priorities UNISON would like to see candidates focusing on at this year’s elections.
Tracey Sutton Postlethwaite (pictured above) is standing for Labour in the Connah’s Quay Central ward in Flintshire and signed up to back UNISON’s priorities.
She said: “I’m supporting UNISON’s priorities because they look to improve working conditions, funding for services for our most vulnerable and to correct the austerity implemented by the Tory government over a decade that has left local authorities struggling to fund services and having to raise council tax to ensure education and vital services are not affected.
“This has left the public funding our services despite fuel poverty and deprivation which has been due to a lack of control of fuel prices and the effects of Brexit.”
Joshua Beynon is also backing UNISON’s key measures to protect public services and is a Labour candidate standing in Pembroke Dock: Central in Pembrokeshire.
He said: “I’m supporting UNISON’s priorities because public sector workers deserve fair pay given the vital role they play as the backbone of our communities.”
Lianne Dallimore, UNISON Cymru/Wales local government chair, said: “It is fantastic to see so many candidates showing they put the priorities of working people first by pledging their support to our top priorities.
“This election is vitally important to ensure we protect our incredible public services and the working conditions of those who provide them.”