Council considers a 9.9% council tax increase for 2025-26, pending final Welsh Government funding decisions.
Council members met on February 18. They considered the draft budget for 2025-26, and a full council will decide on March 3.
Council tax could increase by 9.9 percent. This adds £170.88 to a Band D property bill, and police and town council costs are extra. This year’s Band D council tax is £1,726.05. It might rise to £1,896.93 in 2025-26.
Police costs could add £360.68, meaning the total could reach £2,257.01, which excludes town and community council fees. The council previously reviewed the budget on January 21. Committees gave their views, and the matter returned for further review.
The 9.9 percent increase breaks down as follows: core funding gets 4.9 percent, employer’s insurance gets 2.9 percent, the fire levy gets 0.6 percent, and waste and planning get 1.5 percent. If approved, planning gains £346,000, and waste collection gains £481,000.
The fire levy is part of the council budget. It creates a £301,000 cost, which equals a 0.6 percent council tax increase. Welsh Government funding is due soon, and Ceredigion might get more than 3.6 percent.
Any extra funding will reduce the tax increase. The March 3 decision could change, depending on the final settlement.
Council members backed the recommendations, which include a £209.234m budget for 2025-26, and a 9.9 percent tax rise is possible, relying on final Welsh Government figures.