Caerphilly County Borough Council has agreed an ambitious budget that does not include any new cuts to services for 2021/22.
Leader of Council, Cllr Philippa Marsden, welcomed the decision at a meeting of Full Council this week (Wednesday 24th February), “I am proud of the way this authority continues to manage its budget thanks to our ongoing sound financial management and prudent approach.
“We are working hard to ensure that the council remains financially resilient during these uncertain times and I would like to thank all those involved for making this possible.”
“I’m sure residents across the county borough will welcome the news that there will be no new cuts. This means we can continue to protect our key services for the future.”
The agreed budget will see the council:
- Maintain service provision across the organisation
- Fund increasing demand and service pressures in key areas such as Social Services and Education
- Enable new, community-focused investment including a new ‘Community Empowerment Fund’
- Create capacity to drive forward an ambitious transformation programme and Place Shaping Plan.
Cllr Eluned Stenner, Cabinet Member for Finance added, “We are pleased to present a balanced and robust budget, which once again demonstrates that this authority is continuing to deliver on its track record of effective budget management.”
“We have been required to make a range of significant cuts and reductions to services over recent years, so it is pleasing that we are in a position to protect our key services for the next 12 months.”
The budget includes an increase of 3.9% in Council Tax for 2021/22. This equates to an increase for Band D properties of 89p per week.
“I appreciate that none of us want to see an increase in council tax, but the reality is that without this modest increase, we would need to consider unpalatable and unpopular cuts to services.
“It is important to note that this proposed increase is likely to be lower than many other councils across Wales. It is clear that we are doing our best to protect residents, as we recognise that our communities are also experiencing difficult times at the moment,” added Cllr Stenner.
