Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has approved a new five-year “Involvement Strategy and Action Plan” aimed at increasing public engagement in decision-making. However, the announcement has been met with skepticism from residents who say the council has already made controversial decisions—such as the removal of school transport and wheelie bins—without any meaningful consultation.
The strategy, approved by Cabinet on June 11, pledges to give residents a greater voice in the planning and delivery of council services. It outlines seven objectives designed to “make it easy for everyone to take part,” including more face-to-face consultations and clearer feedback mechanisms. But residents are questioning the sincerity of these commitments, pointing out that recent key decisions were made without such involvement.
For example, AberdareOnline recently highlighted that the Council had not held proper consultations before deciding to phase out school transport for pupils living less than three miles from school, nor before proposing the controversial removal of traditional wheelie bins. Both decisions have sparked significant concern among families and residents, especially in a county already burdened with high levels of deprivation and inclement weather.
Wheelie Bins, School Buses, and Silence: RCT Council Under Fire
Now, critics argue the Council’s sudden push to spotlight its consultation strategy is reactive rather than proactive—driven more by public backlash and political timing than a genuine change in approach.
“It’s no coincidence that this ‘Involvement Strategy’ has been released now, just as residents are voicing outrage over school transport cuts and the loss of basic services like wheelie bins,” said a local parent. “If the Council really believed in community input, they would have consulted us before making these decisions—not after.”
The timing of the strategy’s rollout has also raised eyebrows, coming less than a year ahead of the Welsh Government elections scheduled for 7 May 2026. Some residents see this as a sign of political damage control.
“The question we’re all asking is: will this strategy actually change anything? Will it let us keep our wheelie bins? Will it protect school transport for our children?” another resident said. “Or is this just more spin from a Council that’s already made up its mind?”
The Council maintains it has a “robust and transparent process to engage with residents,” and says the new plan builds on previous consultation efforts, including the use of online tools and community roadshows. But critics say the methods used in past consultations have often lacked visibility and inclusivity—especially for those without digital access.
As part of the new strategy, the Council promises to provide “evidence back to residents around the rationale for decisions undertaken.” Residents now wait to see if that includes revisiting unpopular decisions that have already been made without their input.
With growing public pressure and the clock ticking toward next year’s election, the Council may find that promoting consultation without backing it up with action will only further erode public trust.“It’s time for change”
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