New figures have revealed that several councils in Wales are spending significantly more on traffic wardens than they take in.
One of the worst offenders is Labour-run Flintshire Council, which has spent a staggering £1,032,545 on Civil Enforcement Officers since 2018 but only brought in a measly £328,268.
In Merthyr Tydfil during the same time, the council has spent £482,682 but taken in a mere £360,969.
Since 2018, the Plaid Cymru-run Anglesey Council has spent £255,611 on Civil Enforcement Officers, whilst only bringing in £122,462.
Some councils did not commence civil enforcement services until 2019, such as Labour-run Torfaen, who have spent £446,470 whilst only taking in a meagre £175,000 whilst Caerphilly Council spent £711,695 and brought in £674,945 during the same period. Both councils are run by Labour.
Commenting on the figures, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government, Sam Rowlands MS, said:
“This is an awful waste of taxpayer’s money.
“Council leaders should urgently review this spend and stop wasting money, especially when the returns are so poor.
“Of course, Labour and Plaid Cymru are fond of splurging taxpayer money – whether that is on traffic wardens or more politicians in Cardiff Bay.”