Budget approval leads to potential tax increases, job cuts and parking adjustments to address a £27.7M shortfall.
Parking permits and services might cost more. These changes aim to fix a £27.7 million budget gap. Job losses would happen via unfilled roles and voluntary exits. The budget also shows planned funding increases. Schools, children’s services, and social care could get more money.
Money could also address city problems. Fly-tipping, drains, and parks might get attention. Some councilors are concerned about the budget. One mentioned landfill tax and other costly errors. A councilor worried about social care savings. They suggested more school funding.
Cardiff paid HMRC £16 million in September 2024. This related to landfill tax at Lamby Way. The council stated no wrongdoing occurred. It was just a disagreement about definitions. John Lancaster asked about the landfill tax in a meeting. He wondered about its yearly cost.
The council did not give specific figures at the meeting. They borrowed money to pay HMRC fully last year. They will repay this loan over time. The cabinet agreed to pursue unpaid landfill taxes in September 2024.
Chris Weaver responded to John Lancaster. He stated “blunders” weren’t a budget factor. Cardiff wants to spend £22.9 million on schools. Also, £8.8 million goes to central education services. This covers things like school transport.
Bablin Molik thought school funding was insufficient. She said schools are currently “in a bad shape.” She noted the waste center in north Cardiff. This recycling center closed back in 2018. Community leaders want a replacement urgently.
Molik called cuts “collateral damage to arena plans.” She questioned spending on projects, like Atlantic Wharf. A new headquarters is planned within those projects. The council said a new HQ is cheaper than fixing County Hall.
Weaver said it gives “best value” to taxpayers. He noted the arena’s “huge” impact. It will positively affect Cardiff, he mentioned. He acknowledged a north Cardiff recycling issue, like a colleague. He mentioned existing capacity at other recycling centers.
Norma Mackie said they are discussing solutions for this regularly. She mentioned a mobile recycling service for north Cardiff. The council will debate and vote on the budget in March.