Councillors urged to 'stop whinging' and take action with complaints

A councillor has encouraged colleagues to record complaints with their council instead of "whinging" about the support they receive.

Torfaen council's democratic services committee heard complaints from members including claims they had been waiting "months" for technical issues to be resolved.

The committee was reviewing a draft of an annual satisfaction survey, which will measure how councillors feel about the performance of the democratic services team.

Those complaining were urged to fill in the survey rather than "whinge".

Chairman Steven Evans shared his complaints about IT equipment and support, saying he had a computer issue that hadn't been resolved for months.

He also said it was difficult to hold private conversations in the members' room at Pontypool's Civic Centre as it is also used by visitors to signing in to the building.

"I thought it was for members. You've got to be careful if you're having a conversation. Someone can come in and sign in for cleaning or something."

In response newly-elected head Tom Roberts asked councillors to complete the survey when it is sent out and raise issues that are bothering them.

Ron Burnett, councillor for Cwmbran Two Locks, backed this, telling the committee, "If you don't fill (the survey) in, how are they to know?

"If you don't fill it in, don't come whinging."

Roberts also said there is a private space available for members to have conversations.