The pressure on local government finances was brought into sharp relief over the summer when some devastating cuts were put forward by Caerffili County Borough Council.

The Labour-controlled local authority has signalled their intention to mothball the Blackwood Miners’ Institute and Llancaiach Fawr.

Moreover, they want to remove the Meals on Wheels service which has been described as a lifeline to so many.

There is no doubting that Tory austerity over the last decade-and-a-half – which we should not forget was endorsed by the Liberal Democrats in government and Labour in opposition at one point – has taken a heavy toll on public finances.

I hold the Local........

© South Wales Argus