Newport Council pledges to revive streetlights and reopen toilets after budget revisions and public feedback on key services.
Cabinet members discussed budget plans for the coming year. Council tax will rise by 6.7%, and the council will invest in key areas. People want to see where their tax money goes.
Earlier plans suggested library closures with Caerleon and Tredegar House facing potential issues, as well as risks to community centers. But these cuts are now off, thanks to public feedback that changed the council’s mind because people care deeply about these facilities.
Street lights will be switched back on, affecting every other light between midnight and 6 AM due to resident requests. The council will also reopen some public toilets.
An earlier plan targeted the council newsletter, Newport Matters. Residents who aren’t online want to keep it, thus, the council changed its mind because of this feedback.
The 6.7% council tax rise starts in April. Band D properties will pay £1.93 more weekly, which is an extra £100.33 per year. Opposition councillors questioned the rise earlier, arguing that residents could not afford it.
Batrouni said Newport’s tax is third-lowest in Wales, even with the proposed increase. This investment will help them deliver services, and the final budget includes no cuts to schools.
School funding will increase by £11 million, and emergency housing will get an extra £1.8 million. The council wants to end out-of-county placements, which affects vulnerable children in their care system.
Newport will receive £4 million from the Welsh Government for highway improvements. All councillors will vote on the budget February 25, while street light and toilet plans will come later, reviewed by the council cabinet.
Councillor Pat Drewett resigned from his role, in charge of communities and poverty. According to Batrouni, the reasons are private, and he thanked Drewett for his dedication.