Vale of Clwyd Liberal Democrats

Nick Clegg: Lib Dems can overtake Labour at next election

2009-06-23T23:49:00.003+01:00

Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has confidently stated in an interview with the Financial Times that our party could overtake Labour to become the official opposition at the next general election.

Building on similar statements he has recently made in the House of Commons and in an interview with the New Statesman, in which he explicity set out his ambition to be Prime Minister, Clegg said he believed "big things can happen" when a government loses touch with the public and is defeated in the battle of ideas.

Clearly comfortable in his own skin as leader now, Nick Clegg has set out ambitious plans for the Liberal Democrats, and has proved in recent months that he has the confidence, skill, courage and conviction to see them through.

From his laudable defense of the rights of the Gurkhas, to his courage in calling for the Speaker of the House of Commons Michael Martin to resign, and for speaking out against the renewal of Trident, Nick Clegg has proved time and time again that he has his finger on the pulse and will speak up for what is right, no matter which conventions he has to break in order to do so.

We have a leader we can be genuinely proud of and a bright future to look forward to as a party.

Chris Ruane's Expenses In Full (Well, Almost)

2009-06-23T21:19:00.007+01:00

If you haven't had a sneaky look already, Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane's expenses files are now open to public scrutiny online on the Parliament.uk website, with redactions. The events of the expenses scandal have been so fast-moving that heads must surely be spinning by now, but following further outrage at the blacking out of certain details on the published expenses files, the Telegraph has now lifted the lid again and today started publishing the expenses in all their uncensored glory.

We are publishing this on our blog because, well, somebody has to. At the time of writing, you will not find a link to Chris Ruane's expenses on his own website. In fact, he hasn't published anything on his website. We are currently sifting through his expense files to see if we can spot anything which would require further clarification, and we'll let you know if we find anything.

Thus far, we've managed to uncover that Chris used his expenses to pay for a self-promotional advertising board at Rhyl F.C. in July 2007 (see picture below), and an advert in their season programme. We've even found a picture of the advertising board online here. Was he right or wrong to claim for that? Is it wrong to use Parliamentary expenses, rather than Labour party funds, to pay for an advertising board? You let us know in the Comments section.

Commenting on the publication of MPs' expenses claims online with blackouts, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg told the BBC that the way the receipts were published "damages public faith in what MPs do even more..."

He added, "we now need complete change, not just in the expenses regime but in the culture of secrecy that still prevails at the heart of Whitehall and Westminster."

If you've uncovered any interesting claims amongst Chris Ruane's expense files, please e-mail us at valeofclwydlibdems@googlemail.com and we will publish them on the blog. The Guardian are also asking for volunteers to investigate MPs' expenses claims, and you can help by following this link.

Resignation of Mark Young as Liberal Democrat PPC for the Vale of Clwyd

2009-06-16T20:00:00.003+01:00

After much thought, Mark Young has recently decided to stand down as our Parliamentary Candidate in the Vale of Clwyd. Mark has decided that he wishes to devote more time with his family and with his business.

Mark without doubt, has been a stalwart of the local association for a number of years and has worked tirelessly and with success for the party in the Vale of Clwyd. I am sure that I speak on behalf of all our members in the Vale and wish Mark every success and best wishes for the future. Bob hwyl Mark!

Rhodri Jones
Chair, Vale of Clwyd Liberal Democrats

EU Election Results - Vale of Clwyd

2009-06-07T22:38:00.004+01:00

Well, I've just returned from the count in Denbigh, which took far longer than it should have to declare! The results are as follows:

Conservatives - 4,959

Labour - 2,798

Plaid Cymru - 2,314

UKIP - 2,292

Liberal Democrats - 1,070

BNP - 815

Green - 628

Socialist Labour Party - 251

Christian Party - 207

No2EU - 161

Jury Team - 59

There were 67 spoilt ballot papers, and overall turnout was 28.45%.

AGM 2009 Announcement

2009-06-02T16:51:00.003+01:00

The date of our next AGM has been set for June 25th, from 7-9pm. This will take place at Prestatyn Community Centre, which is located next to the Cross Foxes pub at the end of the High Street.

The meeting is open to all party members and the public, however if you are planning to attend, we would appreciate an e-mail confirming your planned attendance just so we will have an idea of how many people to expect. If you need any special arrangements, or need help getting to the venue, please state your requirements in your e-mail.

Karen Roberts from our Cardiff HQ and our Parliamentary Candidate Mark Young will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

European Elections 2009: Fighting Your Corner in Brussels

2009-06-02T16:44:00.000+01:00

The European elections are fast approaching with polling day on Thursday, June 4th. The Welsh Liberal Democrat have chosen an excellent lead candidate for the forthcoming elections. Alan Butt Philip is a lecturer in European politics and has previously been a special adviser for both the UK and European Parliaments on such matters as the European Single Market and European Regional Funding. Alan's wealth of knowledge and experience on European matters is without question.

The European Union should matter to us all. The European Parliament bears its influence on such diverse matters as the environment, the workplace and cross border organized crime. The European Parliament has proven itself over the years to be a progressive legislature that is profoundly concerned with the rights of the ordinary citizen. In short, these elections matter a great deal.

The endless drip of scandalous revelations relating to MP's expenses has been, to say the least, disappointing. We should clearly expect much better from some of our honourable representatives at Westminster. However, resorting to voting for smaller, fringe parties would not be the answer. A number of these fringe parties, I fear, would sow divisiveness and discord in all matters European. Let us not forget the horrid and destructive European wars of recent past. Let us not take for granted the stability and peace the institutions of the European Union have given each and every one of us. These achievements have not come by chance but rather through concerted efforts over many years in working productively together, where appropriate, in order to achieve peace and common sense political and economic co-operation.

I know that Alan cares deeply for Wales and would fight vigorously for Welsh interests in Brussels. By voting Welsh Liberal Democrat on June 4th, you can be assured of electing an enthusiastic and hard working lead candidate who would be a real voice for us all in Brussels.

Those views expressed above are solely those of Rhodri Jones.

Alan Butt Philip - A New Voice For Wales

2009-05-23T11:02:00.004+01:00

European elections are now less than two weeks away, and the Vale of Clwyd Liberal Democrats are optimistic that Alan Butt Philip will be elected Wales' first Lib Dem MEP on June 4th. Find our more about our lead candidate Alan Butt Philip on his website.

Alan Butt Philip is the Welsh Liberal Democrats' lead candidate for the European elections in June. He lives in Abergavenny and is a university lecturer specialising in European politics. Married to Christina, they have three grown-up children.

Alan has also been a special adviser to the UK and European Parliaments on issues such as European regional funding and the single European market. He speaks fluent French and some Welsh and German.

Alan has fought several Westminster and European elections as a Liberal or Liberal Democrat. At home, he is a keen musician, until recently singing in his local church choir. At work and in his community he has developed successfully international student exchanges and town twinning.

Alan believes strongly that the greater interdependence of the different states in Europe has helped improve the prosperity of Wales and has helped prevent any lapse into another European war.

Chris Ruane's voting record in the spotlight

2009-05-11T20:35:00.005+01:00

The Government's defeat in the House of Commons on the issue of allowing Gurkhas to reside in the UK was a victory for justice and democracy, and a huge embarrassment for Gordon Brown and his fellow Labour MPs. The public majority rightly support the Gurkhas' right to live in this country, having fought for it and put their lives at risk alongside our troops.

Our local MP, Chris Ruane, was unsurprisingly not one of the 27 Labour rebel MPs who voted with their conscience in support of the Lib Dem motion to offer guarantees of residence to the Gurkhas. It's unsurprising because, if you take a look at his voting record (TheyWorkForYou.co.uk), he has during his time as an MP supported the Government in voting against a transparent Parliament, voted FOR the Iraq war and against an investigation into the justification for war, he supported introducing university top-up fees which has made access to higher education more difficult for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and he has supported the disastrous, hugely expensive and possibly now abandoned white elephant that is the ID card scheme. It's equally unsurprising, albeit disappointing, that Chris was one of the MPs who voted against expenses reform last year.

The question we should all be asking our local MP is, has he represented his electorate's views in Parliament and done the job he was elected to do, or has he simply towed the Labour party line on every major issue of the day? The public are ready for a change now from a Labour Government which has lost its moral authority and economic credibility, and the Vale of Clwyd deserves to be represented by someone who is prepared to take a stand and vote for what is right. We expect, and deserve, no less from our politicians when we elect them to office.

Chris Ruane has had an easy ride on this so far and it is time he started justifying his actions in Parliament to his electorate back home.

Petition to get rid of Brown

2009-04-25T13:54:00.005+01:00

In the words of Peter Black AM, this is "threatening to be the next big internet viral after Susan Boyle."

Unelected, and seemingly unaccountable, Gordon Brown has led this country to the edge of the precipice. We are experiencing officially the worst economic crisis since World War II, with full recovering likely to be more than 10 years away. His government has nearly bankrupt the country's coffers, and ensured that every child of this generation will be in debt to the tax man for decades, with little to show for it.

Gordon Brown's claim to economic competence is in tatters, and after pledging during his tenure as Chancellor to end boom and bust, he has led us to one of the biggest busts in our country's history. The country needs new leadership, and new hope for the future.

The Liberal Democrats offer an alternative vision for government and the economy, and you can view Vince Cable's response to the Budget 2009 on BBC iPlayer.

If you agree that Prime Minister Gordon Brown should resign over his handling of the economy, please sign the Number 10 petition, which runs until 22nd October.

Spring Party Political Broadcast

2009-04-24T08:42:00.001+01:00

Colum: Rhyl's resources being wasted

2009-04-23T21:01:00.002+01:00

Written by Colum McCormack.

Denbighshire County Council is again cutting services and increasing parking charges in Rhyl. The fiasco over parking and loading bays goes on; this can't be the best way forward for the regeneration of our town. Summer's here and on Sunday mornings when thousands of people visit the car boot sale near Sainsbury's the stores in the adjacent shopping centre benefit greatly from the influx of customers who come for the car boot sale. In the meantime Rhyl Town Centre and its businesses are suffering from a lack of visitors while our Councillors do nothing, even though it has been brought to their attention that similar activities could benefit the town centre.

The Events Arena is very rarely used and would be an ideal venue for an outdoor market/car boot sale. There is ample parking, both in the underground car park and the unused and unkempt coach park on Crescent Road. It seems bad business not to put them to use. We have great resources here in Rhyl and if they were used properly to regenerate the town and stimulate business the benefits could be enormous. So why aren't they used? It is as if Rhyl is purposely being held back. More to the point DCC could make a huge amount of money from rents and parking charges. At a time when budgets are stretched surely the extra revenue would be useful. We have a wonderful Events Arena and hundreds of empty parking spaces so why not use them?

Just imagine what a different place Rhyl would be with two big events a week. This is the kind of regeneration we need and it is time our Councillors looked closely at their business plan for Rhyl - or do they even have one?

Poll Results: Local Elections

2009-04-23T20:37:00.003+01:00

I recently ran a poll on the blog asking 'Do you vote in local elections?' which ran for 10 days. Well unfortunately, only 5 people voted, and a resounding 100% of respondants said they always vote in local elections. If only that was reflected in reality.

I will run another one now, and leave it running for a month. If anyone has any ideas for the next poll, feel free to share your ideas in the Comments.

Opinion: 'Dirty tricks' politics is destroying British democracy

2009-04-12T20:08:00.002+01:00

I'm very pleased this evening to have had my first article published on Liberal Democrat Voice, the respected blog run by Lib Dem members and activists.

You can read the full article by clicking here. Enjoy!

Why are you a Liberal Democrat?

2009-04-11T12:04:00.003+01:00

Thought this was an excellent video and wanted to share it with everybody. Every member of the party has their own reason for why they became a Lib Dem, and this video illustrates the broad spectrum of reasons wonderfully.

I've got the idea into my head now of doing a Vale of Clwyd version of this video with Mark, myself, Colum, Paul, Rhodri and co. Watch this space!

Prestatyn Town Council By-Election Results

2009-04-10T13:31:00.005+01:00

Well, despite a hard-fought campaign from our candidate Paul Penlington in the Prestatyn Central by-election yesterday, in the end the Conservatives had it. We came a respectable and very close third out of five candidates, very nearly beating Labour into second. The results are as follows:

Graham Joseph Percival (Conservatives) - 444 votes
Amanda June Wiggan (Labour) - 138 votes
Paul Penlington - (Liberal Democrats) - 127 votes
Alan Warrington (Independent) - 38 votes
Gary Alexander Bourne (Independent) - 24 votes

It was certainly a very impressive victory for the Tories, who were out in numbers on the night. Labour, however, were not even present at the count, a very poor show indeed. Their lack of effort has clearly been reflected in their result, which has seen their vote collapse in the face of a landslide win for the Tories, and a strong result from ourselves.

We were clearly disappointed with the result, but not disheartened. We will continue to be a prominent voice for the people of Rhyl and Prestatyn, and will build on the support we have already built up on the ground to carry us to a electoral victory in the near future.

Update (23rd April 2009): I stand corrected on the results. Alan Warrington got 32, June Wiggan for Labour 183, and Gary Bourne 25. Full results can be viewed in PDF format here.

Paul has also offered his congratulations:

"Following the Prestatyn central town council by-election I would like to offer sincere congratulations to the new Conservative councillor, Graham Percival. He received a large number of votes, more than all the other candidates received put together. The residents of Central Prestatyn, those that took part in the democratic process, made a clear choice of elected representative. As a believer in democracy I feel we must now support the newly elected councillor and allow him time to make his mark in Prestatyn's Conservative led town council. Considering the number of negative letters received by the local press about our council, it is somewhat surprising that Graham won with such a large majority. However, as people had their chance to vote for a new representive we must go with their choice. Mr Percival, as far as I know, is an honest and upright individual so I hope he can help make changes the council urgently needs. I look forward to commenting on his progress in due course and I'm sure he looks forward to more letters in your paper (Ed: The Journal)."

Colum: Rhyl Going Forward seems to have stalled

2009-04-10T11:00:00.005+01:00

Thank you once again to The Journal for publishing Colum's letter.

One must give credit where it is due and it is fair to say that some progress has been made with regard to Rhyl Going Forward. Everything started off well, the Drift Park is looking better, some of the derelict buildings along West Parade have been demolished and most of the streets are looking cleaner. But now the work seems to have come to a halt. What's going on?

It will soon be summer and with the better weather it is to be hoped that visitors to the town will start arriving in numbers. Unfortunately what will greet them at the entrances to our town is likely to make them turn around and leave again.

Approaching from the Splash Point end going onto the seafront you are met by the burnt out shell of the Grange Hotel which continues to be a eyesore many months after the fire that destroyed it. Coming from the other direction, over the Blue Bridge, is no better. What was once a perfectly good house, albeit surrounded by a car park, is also now a burnt out shell after it was compulsorily purchased and left empty to attract the vandals!

Surely our town and county councillors could have made more of an effort to prevent this wanton destruction of our town. Both these fires could have been prevented if a bit of common sense had been used. It was known that people were sleeping rough in the Grange Hotel but no effort was made to make it more secure and protect the building.

Similarly the Council buying up property and leaving it empty for long periods is simply inviting trouble. How long do we have to wait for the renovations we have been promised? With a bit of organisation it's still possible to demolish these eyesores and get our town looking that bit better before the summer. At the moment every step Rhyl takes Going Forward is matched by it's taking two backwards!

Press Release - Kirsty Williams comments on future of Prestatyn

2009-03-30T22:25:00.005+01:00

Kirsty Williams the recently elected leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrat party and the first female leader of a political party in Wales visited Prestatyn this weekend at the invitation of local party representative Paul Penlington.

Kirsty visited a number of areas in Prestatyn and said she was “concerned for the future of this once thriving beautiful seaside town” particularly with regard to the stalled Tesco development and lack of Tourism opportunities now the Ffrith beach site has also collapsed.

As a member of the Welsh Assembly Government Kirsty agreed she is well placed to advocate on behalf of struggling local businesses in the current financial climate.

Kirsty and Paul Penlington are pictured visiting Prestatyn High Street so she could meet local business people and see for herself the difficulties they currently face.

As the new party leader Kirsty is making efforts to ensure that North Wales is firmly on the Welsh Assembly Governments agenda and feels local people are justified in feeling they have been neglected by the Cardiff based assembly. As the new Liberal Democrat Leader she intends to develop and maintain communication with local representatives like Paul Penlington to ensure North Wales views are heard in Cardiff Bay.

Paul Penlington for Prestatyn Central

2009-03-30T22:10:00.007+01:00

Please read the following message from Prestatyn resident Paul Penlington, who is standing at the Prestatyn Central town council by-election on Thursday 9th April. If you're able to vote, please do. Every vote counts! If you need help getting to a polling station, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any one of us.

I’m writing to ask for your vote in the Prestatyn Central town council by-election on April 9th.

You are faced with the option of allowing yet another distant Conservative to take this seat or voting for a new and alternative voice who lives in the heart of the ward. The majority of our councillors have held their seats for many years and what do we have to show for their years of experience?

Ever increasing council taxes, giving us one of the highest rates in Wales at 30% above the national average.
Poorly thought out ‘developments’ that are destroying our town, leaving us nothing for to entice shoppers or visitors.
Local businesses closing as a result of no creative forward planning.
Youths wandering the streets or racing around in cars as they have very little to do.
Huge amounts of money squandered again and again.
Councillors failing to keep us informed and failing to accept responsibility for their failures.

I’m standing as a resident of Prestatyn Central Ward who feels enough is enough, we need new councillors that represent the local residents and consider our opinions before making rash decisions that affect us all.

The Liberal Democrat Party have long advocated for community led councils that listen to, and meet, the needs and wishes of residents. I believe in letting local people decide as much for themselves as possible and that our community needs to be at the heart of the council’s decision making.

I am a well known long term resident of the ward who’s worked for the good of the community for many years not to see recognition for my efforts but because I believe in putting something into our community for the benefit of us all.

My wife and I are active members of a number of community groups. I’ve volunteered with several environmental groups for many years throughout Denbighshire and I have helped create the community woodland at the heart of Prestatyn Central. I’m an active charity fundraiser currently in training for the Welsh 3’000’s challenge (walking the fourteen peaks of Snowdonia in 24 hours) to raise money for Ty Gobaith children’s hospice.

I work professionally with young people; I am currently a lecturer at a local college, previously I worked with a national children’s charity. Many of the young people and their families in our ward know me and will vouch for my commitment and contribution to their future.

I am a family man whose children attend the local welsh language schools.

Unfortunately, as you are only too well aware, our community is being repeatedly let down by the current Conservative led group. It is high time for a new voice on our council, one that listens and responds to your thoughts. So, if you want a councillor who will truly be your representative please vote for me on April 9th. If elected I will ensure your voice is heard in the council chambers.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I will be happy to receive any comments or answer any questions you may have.

Rwyf yn ysgrifennu atoch yn gofyn yn garedig am eich pleidlais yn yr etholiad cyngor dref ar Ebrill y 9fed, 2009.

Rydych a’r opsiwn o adael, unwaith yn rhagor, aelod Ceidwadol amherthnasol arall i gymeryd y set neu yr opsiwn o pleidleisio am llais newydd i rhywun sydd yn byw yn nghanol y dref a sydd yn deall pryderon trigolion yr ardal. Y mae y rhan mwyaf o’n cynghorwyr wedi bod yn eu swyddi am nifer o flynyddoedd a beth ydyn i’w ddangos am eu blynyddoedd o wasanaeth i’r dref? Dim llawer!

Mwy o dreth cyngor. Y mae Cyngor Sir Ddinbych a un o’r graddau trethi dref mwyaf yng Nghymru! 30% yn fwy na’r cyfartaledd cenedlaethol
Cynlluniau a datblygiadau i’r dref sydd wedi methu, a sydd wedi ein gadael gyda anhawsterau ariannol
Busnesau newydd yn cau a’r sgil dim cynlluniau creadigol newydd
Ein ifainc yn crwydro ein strydoedd gan eu bod heb dim i’w wneud
Symiau mawr o arian yn cael eu gwario ar ddim yn y gymuned
Cynghorwyr yn methu a cadw mewn cysylltiad gyda ni ac yn methu a derbyn cyfrifioldeb am eu methiannau

Rwyf yn sefyll fel trigolyn o Ganol Brestatyn sydd yn teimlo bod digon i’w digon. Rydym aghen cynrychiolwyr newydd sydd yn digon barod i gynrychioli trigolion lleol a cysidro ein teimladau cyn gwneud penderfyniadau gyflym a fydd yn effeithio ni gyd

Y mae’r Rhyddfrydwyr Cymreig wedi hen cefnogi buddiannau ein cymunedau lleol ac wedi bod yn digon barod i wrando, ac i gefnogi buddiannau ac anghenion ein cymunedau.

Y rwyf yn drigolyn sydd wedi byw yn yr ardal am ddrost ddeng mlynedd a sydd wedi gweithio yn ddi-baid am fuddiannau trigolion lleol. Rwyf yn grediniol bod rhaid i drigolion lleol bod yn rhan atodol a phwysig o penderfyniadau y cyngor.

Mae fy nghwraig a finnau yn aelodau actif o nifer o sefydliadau cymdeithasol lleol. Rwyf wedi gwirfoddoli mewn mewn nifer o sefydliadau amgylcheddol trwy Sir Ddinbych. Rwyf yn ymgyrchu yn galed i codi arian i nifer o sefydliadau cymdeithasol. Ar hyn o bryd, rwyf yn codi arian dros Ty Gobaith trwy cerdded y “forteen peaks” mewn 24 awr.

Rwyf yn gweithio yn brofessiyniol gyda bobl ifainc. Rwyf yn ddarlithwr mewn coleg lleol. Ynghynt, roeddwn yn gweithio gyda sefydliad gwirfoddol i blant. Y mae nifer o drigolion canol Prestatyn yn fy adnabod ac y fuasen yn barod i ddystio i’m ddyfalbarhad i’r ardal.

Yn anffodus, mae Cyngor y dref sydd wedi cael ei h’arwain gan y Ceidwadwyr am nifer o flynyddoedd wedi methu. Y mae’n hen amser am llais newydd a ffres, un sydd yn barod i wrando ac i ymateb i’ch gofynion. Felly, os y mynnwch llais gref a newydd, gofynnwn yn garedig ichi pleideisio imi ar Ebrill y 9fed.

Diolch yn fawr ichi am ddarllen fy llythyr. Mi fyddwn yn hapus iawn i ymateb i unrhyw cwestiynnau.

Denbighshire CC's response to Ian Miller FOI request

2009-03-30T21:56:00.005+01:00

Denbighshire CC have issued a response to the Vale of Clwyd Liberal Democrats' request under the Freedom of Information act for information relating to the resignation of Ian Miller in 2008 (see post below). Their response is as follows:

Dear Mr. Wood,

Thank you for your request for information received 13 March 2009 regarding the resignation of Denbighshire County Council's Chief Executive, Ian Miller, last year.

The process of searching for the information you required is now complete I can now advise you as follows:

Q1. The size of the pay-off Ian Miller was given after his departure.

A1. Other than the information that has already been put in the public domain, in the Council’s news release of 3rd November 2008 (www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en-gb/DNAP-7L2NFC) and the estimated vacancy cost (see attached report to Council of 25th November 2008, Agenda Item 8 ) all of the information sought is personal information relating to Ian Miller.

One of the matters in respect of which the Freedom of Information Act provides an exemption from disclosure is for personal information as set out in Section 40 of the Act. In considering whether Section 40 is applicable I have had regard to the Information Commissioner’s latest guidance on the exemption of personal information (see ICO Guidance regarding personal information exemptions attached ). My conclusion is that the information sought should not be provided by virtue of the exemption at Section 40(2) of the Act and I set out my reasoning for my conclusion below.

Having accepted that the information sought is indeed “personal data” I have approached the matter as suggested in the Information Commissioner’s guidance. I have therefore considered whether the disclosure would breach one of the data protection principles. Particularly pertinent to this request is the first principle requiring the personal data to be processed fairly and lawfully and in particular not processed unless at least one of the conditions in Schedule 2 is met in particular here Schedule 2, Condition 6.

For completeness I set out this condition:

‘The processing is necessary for the purposes of legitimate interests pursued by the data controller or by the third party or parties to whom the data are disclosed, except where the processing is unwarranted in any particular case by reason of prejudice to the rights and freedoms or legitimate interests of the data subject’.

In his guidance the Information Commissioner draws attention to the three part test and in effect the identification of the line between what is public interest and what is public curiosity. The guidance sets out relevant considerations and how one balances the potentially conflicting factors. My view is that the public interest has properly been addressed by the issuing of the news release which includes statements from Ian Miller, the Leader and the Chairman of the Council and in particular Ian Miller sets out his decision. Having reached that conclusion it seems to me not to be necessary to address the general consideration of fairness and lawfulness.

The Authority has also taken into consideration previous decisions of the Information Commissioners, Denbighshire County Council dated 27th July 2006 (FS50065294), the City and County of Swansea dated 2nd October 2006 (FS 50071454) and The Architects Registration Board dated 12th February 2007 (FS 50075602).

Q2. Define the difference between Public Interest and Public Curiosity.

A2. The statement regrading Public Interest and Public Curiosity is actually a quotation from the ICO's Guidance on dealing with requests involving personal information (see attached ICO Guidance, page 6),

"Firstly, you should identify any legitimate public interest in disclosure. There must be genuine public interest at stake, not mere public curiosity. There is always some public interest in the principle of freedom of information and this will be one relevant factor to consider, but you should also consider the particular circumstances of the case".

which was referenced in a media request very similar to yours and it was this reference that was cited as a spokespersons comment.

If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you have any concerns about the manner in which the Council has dealt with your request for information please do not hesitate to contact me. Alternatively you can contact the Access to Information Feedback Officer, Records Management, 46 Clwyd Street, Ruthin, LL15 1HP. As I am sure you are aware the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is regulated by the Information Commissioner whose address is Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF."

The Liberal Democrats will provide an official response in due course.

Demand to know Ian Miller's pay-off

2009-03-12T21:40:00.005Z

I'm sure we were all disgusted last year when Denbighshire County Council refused to reveal the size of former Chief Executive Ian Miller's pay-off. They even turned down a Freedom of Information Act request to release the information. Well, enough's enough. Not ever one to leave a stone unturned, or shy away from a challenge, I am bringing this issue to the fore again.

As Liberal Democrats, we got involved in politics to help work towards a fairer and more transparent kind of politics in Britain, for all people. It is simply unacceptable for publicly-elected, taxpayer-funded organisations to reward failure with generous golden goodbyes. It is in the public's interest to know exactly how our taxpayer money is spent. I doubt you would find many people who'd disagree, and therefore it must surely be deemed to be in the 'public interest'.

As such, I am writing another Freedom of Information request to Denbighshire CC, asking for the release of aforementioned information. And I'll keep asking for it and using every possible resource, including the Information Commissioner, until we find out.

Read below the letter I have sent to Denbighshire CC. Please feel free to comment on the issue using the 'Comments' link below. Do you agree or disagree with the Liberal Democrats in calling for this information to be released?

"I am writing with reference to the resignation of Denbighshire CC Chief Exec Ian Miller last year. I understand that a Freedom of Information Act request has already been turned down by the council.

However, I find this very unacceptable and demand to know the size of the pay-off Ian Miller was given after his departure. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 was introduced to allow the public to gain access to information which is deemed to be in the public interest. As a public authority, which is held accountable for its actions by the court of public opinion, it is very much in the public's interest to know exactly where every pound of tax payer's money is being spent and whether it is being spent appropriately.

A transparent and open public body should be exactly that; transparent and open. If the recent case of Sir Fred Goodwin and his handsome pension pay-off proves anything, it is that the public will not tolerate generous rewards for failure and a total lack of transparency in their publicly-funded organisations.

It is not acceptable to diminish the request by saying, as a spokesperson for Denbighshire CC said quite contrarily to the Daily Post, that it was not in the public interest to reveal the information which was being requested “merely out of public curiosity”. Please would you define the difference between public interest and public curiosity? Surely they are one and the same. And surely, it is in the public interest to know how much of their precious council tax is being spent on paying-off failed chief execs.

So I urge you to come clean over this now and get it done with; if this request is turned down this time, I will be referring it to the Information Commissioner to see what they have to say on the matter."

If you're not really sure what this is about, read here for some background.

Rhodri Jones comments on resignation of Councillor Jane Cahill

2009-03-02T20:42:00.002Z

I have recently been made aware that Jane Cahill, a Conservative Councillor on Prestatyn Town Council has resigned. Moreover, it has come to light that Jane Cahill intends to remain as Conservative County Council Councillor for the same seat. I feel that it is perfectly reasonable to ask why this councillor, after less than a year since the last local elections, feels inclined to resign her seat on the Town Council but then to remain as County Councillor. Should we assume that local Conservatives have little regard for local democracy in our Town Halls? I wonder if others, like me, feel that the good people of Prestatyn deserve a little better!

This letter was sent to The Rhyl Journal for publication in the March 4th edition. The opinions expressed are the views of Rhodri Jones.

Paul Penlington on Prestatyn council failures

2009-03-02T20:31:00.005Z

The Tesco 'development' in Prestatyn has so far consisted of extensive demolition work creating a huge and unsightly derelict hole in our town. The council have made no comments publicly to explain what is going on and have failed to respond to requests made for information. Do they even know what Tesco's plan to do to our community? Frankly, I doubt it.

Combined with the collapse of the Ffrith 'development' and the continued extensive roadworks scheduled to continue into July, our current council have done a thorough job of destroying any hope Prestatyn had of attracting summer visitors to the area for several years ahead. I'm sure we won't get many people coming to look at a Polo on a stick.

Why are they so inefficient? Do they have any interest in the future of Prestatyn? Are they prepared to keep us informed of how they come up with their incompetent decisions?

It would be laughable if these continual failures to plan adequately for our town didn't have such serious implications in the current economic climate. Our council tax is set to rise by 2.9% in the next year, above the average wage increases and above the average council tax rates for most of Wales, can our council explain where our money is going, how it is spent and what their next bizarre scheme will be?

This letter was sent to The Rhyl Journal for publication in the March 4th edition. The opinions expressed in this post are the views of Paul Penlington.

Colum: Give Young Entrepreneurs A Chance

2009-02-25T21:45:00.006Z

Young entrepreneurs like Kimberley Gracess (Help Needed for Business, Journal, 18 Feb) are what are sorely needed to get Rhyl back on its feet and she should be supported in her efforts to set herself up in business.

Unfortunately this lack of support sums up the attitude of the people who are paid to 'regenerate' our town. All the millions being spent on regeneration are worth nothing if they are spent on the wrong things. Who wants to visit a town with a non-existent town centre with no shops and nowhere to park?

There should be initiatives designed to bring new business into the town and helping young people like Kimberley would be a good start. What about cutting business rates to help people get started up and giving incentives to encourage businesses to choose Rhyl over our neighbours? So much more could be done to make our town centre a thriving heart of the community again.

What about a weekly outdoor market and street entertainment in the Events Arena close to the parking facilities available in the underground car park and the unused coach park? Traders and visitors could have easy access with no disruption to the normal flow of traffic around the town. This would bring in much needed revenue through stall rents and parking charges and have a knock on effect bringing additional custom to established businesses.

Rhyl needs more visitors and good ideas to attract them and if young people like Kimberley can provide them, so we should be giving them all the support they need. The bright young people of Rhyl are our future and we must give them a chance if Rhyl is to have any chance at all.

This letter was written by Colum McCormack to The Rhyl Journal for inclusion in the February 25th edition.

Press Release - For Immediate Release

2009-02-22T17:22:00.003Z

VALE OF CLWYD LIBERAL DEMOCRATS LAUNCH RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN, RE-LAUNCH BLOG, AND AIM FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN DENBIGHSHIRE

February 22, 2009 – Rhyl, Denbighshire – Following a recent torrent of bad news about Denbighshire County Council which has seen the failing council face the prospect of being taken into special measures, the Vale of Clwyd Liberal Democrats have re-organised and are planning how they will fight the next council and parliamentary elections to take control of the failing Conservative-majority council.

The local party, chaired by Bodfari resident Rhodri Jones, has launched a recruitment campaign in Rhyl and Prestatyn and is looking to expand the campaign throughout the whole of the Vale over the coming months. As part of the campaign, the party’s online blog ( www.valeofclwydlibdems.co.uk ) has been re-designed and now features details of how to contact party members and upcoming events. The blog will be updated at least on a weekly basis initially with commentary on local issues and party news.

Rhodri Jones, commenting on the recent developments, said, “I am thrilled to be at the heart of a grassroots party which is in touch with local people and local issues, and is not afraid to admit that we are ambitious about what we can achieve in the Vale of Clwyd.

“Denbighshire County Council has been one of the worst performing councils in Wales. Although I acknowledge that there have been positive steps in the right direction, regrettably there are still outstanding issues of concern. Denbighshire’s lack of transparency recently, particularly over the resignation of Chief Executive Ian Miller, has angered local residents who are furious that their council tax is being wasted by an inefficient and apparently unaccountable organisation.

“Now is the time for change in Denbighshire. The Liberal Democrats believe in giving power back to local people to decide local issues, and that local government must be transparent.”

The Vale of Clwyd Liberal Democrats will be holding a number of recruitment evenings over the coming weeks and months, and will be looking for people throughout Denbighshire to contest future elections. Further details of how to join the local party can be obtained on our blog, or via our new Facebook groups. Alternatively, telephone Colum McCormack on 07554 354 911 or Paul Penlington on 07753 396 709.

To learn more about Liberal Democrat policies in Wales, please visit www.welshlibdems.org.uk

Blog Redesign

2009-02-21T22:45:00.004Z

As you most probably will have noticed if you've visited the Vale of Clwyd Liberal Democrats blog before, it has undergone something of a makeover today. From now on, this blog will be the prime source of news and comment from our local party online.

Together with our new Facebook groups, I believe our online presence is stronger than ever, and growing. As a local party, our main objective in 2009 is to increase our numbers by recruiting more members, and to meet more regularly as a group. The steps we are taking online are just a small part of this. We are a small group at the moment, but we are ambitious about what we can achieve locally.

So I hope you enjoy the new-look blog, and feel free to leave useful suggestions or comments by clicking on the Comments link below.