Powys councillor storms out over £440,000 school payment dispute
A senior Powys Conservative walks out of cabinet after being barred from questioning a £440,000 payment to Crickhowell High School, raising constitutional concerns.
A senior Powys Conservative councillor stormed out of a Powys County Council cabinet meeting on Tuesday after being barred from questioning a £440,000 payment to Crickhowell High School.
The row unfolded during a review of the 2026/2027 budget’s first‑quarter performance, covering April to the end of June, presented to the Liberal Democrat and Labour‑led cabinet.
The Learning and Skills scrutiny committee had earlier recommended that the council write off debts incurred by the school for its sports and library facilities, proposing a “dedicated report” before any transfer was approved.
Cabinet chair Cllr Jake Berriman told the chair of the Finance Panel, Cllr Aled Davies, and the scrutiny committee chair, Cllr Gwynfor Thomas, that they would not be allowed to speak because they had not lodged official “requests”.
“I will, however, ask whether any cabinet colleagues have any questions that hearing from you might assist them in reaching the recommendations today.”
Despite the objection, the cabinet proceeded to vote and approved the report, prompting Cllr Thomas to walk out.
Minutes later, Cllr Berriman reversed his stance, acknowledging advice that the scrutiny chairs should have been invited to present their recommendations.
“I have had some advice.” I will return to invite them to give their recommendations from their respective scrutiny committees.
A fresh vote was called, but before it could be taken, Cllr Thomas raised further concerns about the constitutionality of the earlier decision.
“I’m rather embarrassed about all this.” I wonder why you didn’t follow the constitution, which clearly identifies that I’m allowed to speak.
Can you undo the vote?
Monitoring officer Debby Jones later assured the councillor that it was “fine” for the vote to be re‑taken.
Cllr Thomas warned that the rejection of the scrutiny recommendation on virements undermined transparency.
The biggest problem is the rejection of the scrutiny recommendation in relation to virements.
He added that the new expectation of scrutinising the budget had proved “difficult” for his committee.
When the monitoring officer reminded him that his role was to present the recommendation, Cllr Thomas replied that the response had been confusing and he was seeking greater clarity.
I was providing the recommendation and the response was confusing, so I was asking for greater clarity. If I’m not allowed to do it, I shall just leave the meeting.
At that moment, his screen went blank and Cllr Berriman announced that the councillor had left the meeting.
The cabinet then voted again to approve the report, sealing the £440,000 virement to Crickhowell High School.
At the close of the session, Cllr Berriman said he had apologised for the procedural error and hoped the constitutional arrangements had been remedied.
I have apologised for the error I made. Whether it’s accepted is another matter.
The incident has sparked debate over council transparency and the role of scrutiny committees in budget decisions, with observers warning that future payments to schools could face heightened scrutiny.