Council publishes report on the 2023/24 budget
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has revealed its proposed Council Tax increase as a report on the 2023/24 budget is set to be considered next week.
A suggested rise of 4.9 per cent will be discussed on Thursday when Cabinet is presented with details of the Authority’s financial planning.
That increase is expected to be similar to or lower than most other Welsh Local Authorities and would mean Vale residents continue to pay less than the average cost of Council Tax in Wales.
A public consultation on budget proposals will follow - with a survey soon to be available on the Council website - before plans are finalised at a meeting of Full Council in March.
A higher-than-predicted settlement from Welsh Government has eased the financial pressure placed on the Council. However, even with that additional funding and this potential Council Tax rise, the Authority is still facing a budgetary shortfall of around £9 million, with the cost-of-living crisis a key reason for that.
It is hoped that this can be bridged with savings and careful use of reserves.
Like other Local Authorities, businesses and individuals, the Council has been significantly impacted by a volatile economic environment that has seen energy prices soar alongside climbing inflation and interest rates.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I’m grateful for the financial support we have received from Welsh Government in the form of our settlement. That is very much appreciated.
“However, the unfortunate reality is that it does not come close to bridging our sizeable funding gap.
“We remain in an extremely testing financial position, with some difficult and unpalatable decisions lying ahead.
“We will continue to look for new and innovative ways to overcome these challenges and the views of the
community will play a key role in deciding the way forward.
“Of paramount importance is protecting the essential services relied upon by our most vulnerable residents.
“Providing social care, community facilities and free school meals remain an absolute necessity.
“This administration remains committed to its key pledges around education, housing, active travel, open spaces, investing in local businesses and climate change.
“We will continue to build and renovate schools and maintain our Council-house building programme, providing top-quality properties for some of our residents most in need.
“Encouraging active travel also remains a priority as we work to increase the number of walking and cycling routes across the county. This objective aligns with our Project Zero commitment, the Council’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2030.
“We also want to invest in facilities for the wellbeing of our residents, including our children. This includes parks and play areas, as well as our schools, whilst at the same time helping to create local jobs and continuing important regeneration work within our communities.
“There are challenges ahead, but also a strong determination to overcome them.”