Wrexham councillors voted to approve a council tax increase, with 34 in favor and 18 against at a recent Guildhall meeting.
Councillors were then asked to approve a large budget, with the revenue budget totaling £345,148,220. They voted on this at a Guildhall meeting February 19; thirty-four councillors voted yes, and eighteen councillors voted no.
A report explained the budget choices to the councillors. The council balanced priorities with needed cuts, noting that central government funding is still too low and local taxes must cover more service costs.
Council leader Mark Pritchard spoke at the recent meeting, saying additional funding is appreciated but insufficient. The new settlement brought £16.7 million, but the council faces £30.7 million in pressures.
Pritchard said more money is needed to maintain the current level, mentioning a 7% grant from Wales and a 26% tax hike. He noted future years will be challenging, as everyone is facing the same struggles.
Pritchard spoke about social care pressures specifically, highlighting that demands for adult and child services are growing fast. The council already invested £20 million and still struggles; he said they fund schools and transport already.
The council is trying to spread the budget as far as possible. The settlement may help them invest in key services, which can save jobs. Pritchard said times are hard, and the next three years will be tough.
Some councillors worried about the proposal’s impact. They think annual Council Tax hikes could become normal, and this could create extra problems for the residents.