Councillors debated an 8.9% council tax rise to fund key services, amidst disagreements over budget and spending.
The plan was for a 9.75 percent tax rise. Some councilors think schools overspent, and Labour thinks it made the tax rise higher. Plaid disagreed with Labour’s assessment of the situation. The UK government raised National Insurance which made the tax rise bigger.
The council gets £25 million more from the government, a 4.1 percent increase. Costs are rising for services, like social care. To cover the difference, the council increased charges, and saving money is also on the agenda.
Councilor Alun Lenny said the £25 million wasn’t enough and that the council must have a legal budget. Some plans were dropped after the public spoke, like higher parking fees and toilet closures.
Councilor Linda Evans said cuts happened since 2008. She blamed the UK government for not investing enough. She said no one wants cuts or a tax increase, but they have no other choice.
Councilor Kevin Madge said Labour helped by increasing funding for Wales. He stated Carmarthenshire schools overspent money, calling this unacceptable, and said this hurt residents and schools that stayed in budget were made to suffer.
Councilor Martyn Palfreman said the tax rise was still high. Labour wants to change council services, and he said there may yet be better, cheaper outcomes. Council Alex Evans said Labour should share ideas. He said the national change since the election was bad.
Councilor Michael Thomas blamed Plaid, saying they mishandled money. He said small schools cost more, and most small schools are in Plaid areas. He thinks Plaid fears unpopular choices in those wards.
The council will get £307.2 million from the Welsh Government, and council tax will bring in £135.9 million. Business rates will give them £68.5 million, and a grant will cover the remaining need.
Councilor Deryk Cundy said Labour couldn’t submit plans because they were stifled. He suggested AI and better project purchasing. For example, only one bid came for a school job.
Councilor Hazel Evans said Labour’s plan hurts jobs and that, without it, the tax rise would be 5.4 percent. She said the council must pay insurance for private services.
Councilor Gareth John hoped for agreement. He said others blamed the council instead. He said councils need 7.5 percent more funding. Carmarthenshire only gets 4.1 percent more overall.
Councilor Darren Price said they have a big gap. They must cut services or raise taxes, or both. Not raising taxes means £8.5 million more in cuts. He asked what Labour would do instead of that.
Councilor Price accused Cundy of lying by saying there were chances to share ideas at meetings. Cundy said those weren’t about policy. Labour tried to share ideas with various leaders.
The tax rise starts in April and Band D homes will pay £1,745.43. This number does not factor in the police or community council prices. There is a £188 million plan for projects including new schools, a care home, and Llanelli’s town center.
About half the money is set aside for this year. Around £20 million funds a care home in Cwmgwili. One-third is for this year, and two-thirds for next year.
Llanelli town will get £15 million, and Burry Port harbor will get £2 million. £31 million is for new and upgraded schools. Plus, £31 million rolls over for schools, meaning £62 million is for schooling in total.
Grants and loans will pay for the projects. They may sell things or use reserves, and Councilor Glynog Davies said they have clear plans.
Councilor Kevin Madge liked some plans like the care home. He worried about what was missing, and said his town’s masterplan never helps. He stated there never seems to be any cash.
Other councilors asked about Ysgol Heol Goffa. There are options after a review which will be discussed, and council will decide before summer.
Councilor Price said Ammanford is a priority. He stressed schooling and fixing blighted areas. He added any leisure center needs outside funds.
Councillor Price stated the UK Labour Government might cut funds. The funding is called the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). He implied the Conservative fund was more successful than the Labour fund. It was extended, but with reduced funds.
The SPF runs until March. The Labour government extended it a year. Price thinks they should match the older funding. Councilors OK’d the five-year project budget too.