Council advertises £45k-a-year diversity job after axing half of public toilets

A council intent on stopping locals and visitors spending a penny by shutting half of its public toilets to save money has been slammed for advertising for a £45K-a-year diversity manager.

Conwy County Council, which has a plush new £58m building in the town centre, is facing a £31 million black hole in its budget despite council tax bills rocketing by 20% in two years.

And despite being a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to enjoy the stunning medieval town and castle, the local authority announced it also plans to shut around half of public conveniences.

Welsh Tory leader and local MS Darren Millar told the Daily Mail: “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.”

At present 18 of Conwy’s public toilets are being shut down, leaving 20 open year-round and another three open during holiday seasons.

William Yarwood, media campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, added: “Every time a council cries out for cash it turns out that behind the scenes they’re wasting money left, right and centre.

“It’s now well established that these so-called diversity roles are nothing more than virtue-signalling, chaos-causing busybodies who tend to interfere with productive, effective staff while doing nothing to achieve their own stated objectives.

“Conwy council, like all other councils, should ditch these roles and allocate necessary responsibilities to existing HR staff.”

NorthWalesLive reports despite cuts to services and the closure of public buildings, the local authority has warned that further council tax increases are inevitable in 2025.

A council spokeswoman said: “Our goal for inclusivity in Conwy is clear, and the diversity, equity and inclusion role is key to support the implementation of our plan.”

Chris Cater, cabinet member for audit, policy and performance, added: “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.”