Council approves tax hike for 2025-26 budget. Closures averted, parking limited, and road funds restored after feedback.
They dropped the plan to close public toilets. Parking charge increases are now limited. They also removed savings from road and flood budgets. To balance the budget, changes must happen.
Council tax will increase by 9.75%. They also need £8.6 million in budget cuts. The council asked for public input on various topics. People shared views on council tax and school transport. They also looked at leisure services.
The council considered the public feedback. They also reviewed 90 internal proposals. This included building costs and vehicle use. They explored staffing and digital efficiency too.
Over 2,900 residents responded online. Sixty-one students met with council members. They shared their priorities for the county.
The council made changes based on public input. They will not close public toilets. This saves £75,000 next year and fifty grand later. People disliked closing toilets.
Parking charges will not rise above inflation. People depend on the parking for businesses. It helps town centers and tourism a lot. It also impacts residents daily.
The council restored £200,000 to road and flood budgets. Councillors shared concerns at meetings. They listened and made changes.
The council faces hard budget decisions. Inflation and national insurance play a role. National pay settlements also add stress. These issues make things harder to manage.
The Welsh Government increased funding by 4.1%. The council must still balance things. Service demands are up and costs rise. Efficiency and tax rises are needed.
Welsh Government grants fund most services. They cover social care and schools mostly. Only 16% comes from council tax payments. The UK Government provides money to Wales.
The council must make a balanced budget. Income from grants, tax and services must cover all spending. This is the law they must follow.
The council consulted the public between December and January. Over 2,900 people shared their opinions. People know we must make tough choices.
The 2025/26 budget gets presented March 5. The full council needs to approve it then.