Welsh council hiring £45k-a-year diversity manager despite closing nearly half of its public toilets in cost-cutting measure
A Welsh council has sparked controversy by advertising for a £45,000-a-year diversity manager whilst simultaneously closing nearly half of its public toilets due to financial pressures.
Conwy County Council, which oversees popular tourist destinations including Llandudno and Colwyn Bay, is grappling with a £31million deficit.
The creation of the new diversity, equity and inclusion manager position comes as the authority faces significant backlash over its decision to close numerous public facilities.
The move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly as the council has increased council tax bills by nearly 20 per cent over the past two years.
The authority, which has no party in overall control, is advertising the role despite implementing severe cost-cutting measures elsewhere.
The council announced that 18 of its public toilets will be permanently closed, leaving just 20 facilities open year-round and three operating seasonally.
An additional 19 toilets will remain available for use in council buildings.
The closures come as part of broader cost-cutting measures, as the authority attempts to address its substantial financial shortfall.
MORE LIKE THIS:
- Diversity officer at ‘America’s wokest university’ faces calls to be sacked after claims she said ‘wealthy and privileged’ Jewish students don’t need help
- Fury as British taxpayers told to pay up for woke £80K ‘diversity and inclusion’ job
- Reform slams ‘bonkers NHS waste’ after taxpayers fork out £650k for public sector pride celebrations
The council is also dealing with other financial challenges, including a troubled bin wagon depot project that has already cost local taxpayers almost £1.9million.
The depot issue stems from a 2016 lease agreement for units in Colwyn Bay intended to house gritters and bin lorries, but the floor was found to be too weak.
The council remains locked into this contract until 2031.
Welsh Tory leader and local MS Darren Millar condemned the council’s priorities, saying: “North Wales gets a rough funding deal from the south Wales-centric Welsh Labour Government so it makes it all the more important that councils in the region spend their money wisely.”
“It is unacceptable that spending is being prioritised on such posts when public toilets are being closed and libraries are facing cuts,” he added.
Local MS Janet Finch-Saunders also described the salary as “a shocking waste of money”.
“Picking up litter, emptying the bins, dealing with potholes and increasing the social service spend are much more important than this nonsense post,” she said.
The TaxPayers’ Alliance also criticised the move, calling diversity roles “virtue-signalling, chaos-causing busybodies.”
The council defended its decision, with Cabinet Member Chris Cater explaining the authority was seeking to “embed a culture of inclusivity” through its Inclusive Conwy Strategic Plan.
“This plan shows how we support a culture of awareness for all protected characteristics so that no matter your background, you are able to live, work and visit a county where you are welcomed and feel acceptance and belonging,” he said.
The new role offers flexible working arrangements, including a mix of office and home working.
A council spokeswoman added: “Our goal for inclusivity in Conwy is clear, and the diversity, equity and inclusion role is key to support the implementation of our plan.”
The position was created after a councillor accused the authority of being “stuck in the 1950s” regarding diversity and equality.