Council considers tax increase to fund storm preparedness, reducing reliance on short-term funding.
The council leader wants the higher tax increase. It gives them more money to prepare for bad weather, so they won’t rely on one-time funding. The higher increase will bring in £220,000, and they will use less savings.
Specifically, they will only use £507,000; they planned to use more before. The leader thinks this is the best way now.
Schools will get more money next year, covering all their costs. Schools will see an extra £2 million, bringing the school budget up by £11.2 million total, which is a 5.6% increase.
The council used £500,000 for school support this year, helping with extra learning needs. The school budget grows from £198 million to £212 million, meaning a 7% rise overall.
A care home in Hawthorn will close, saving £1.16 million. They found £5.75 million in savings and cuts overall. General savings were £3.75 million, too.
These changes should not hurt services, but fees and charges may rise by 5%. Some areas change differently, adding £633,000 to council income.
The council is funding schools and care more, as the needs for these services keep growing. This increase might be the second lowest in Wales, based on other council plans.
The council’s budget for next year is £668.12 million. The Welsh Government is giving them 4.8% more money.
The council will vote on the budget soon. The meeting happens on March 5th.