Councillors in Blaenau Gwent will next week consider the draft budget proposals for 2026/27 at a special Corporate Governance and Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Councillors from the Labour and Independent groups worked together to consider a draft budget that protects services and recommends a Council Tax rise of 3.75%, which is lower than the original planning assumption of 4.95%. This has been possible as a result of an improved funding settlement from Welsh Government and identification of efficiencies, combined with feedback from residents and a shared consensus between the leaders to keep any rise as low as possible.
The proposed budget will see the Council continuing to invest in and support the services that matter to local people and protect the most vulnerable in its communities. This revenue budget, alongside the agreed capital programme, will increase investment in schools, environmental services and highways.
Council Leader Steve Thomas said:
“Working constructively with the Independent Group, we are recommending a fair and balanced draft budget that protects essential services while keeping Council Tax as low as possible in a very difficult financial climate. The proposed 3.75% increase is lower than the draft Council Tax figure of 4.95% and is likely to be one of the lowest percentage increases in Wales. It reflects improved Welsh Government funding, identified efficiencies, and, importantly, listening to the feedback from local people.
“With over two-thirds of our budget already committed to education and social care, our focus remains on protecting the services residents rely on most, using resources wisely, and working differently with our communities to support resilience and reduce pressures in the longer term.”
Leader of the Independent Group, Cllr Wayne Hodgins said:
“This draft budget shows what can be achieved when councillors work together constructively to put forward a responsible budget which really focuses on the issues that matter most to our residents. We have supported proposals that protect frontline services, increase investment in schools and highways, and provide targeted support for those who need it most, particularly through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
“The efficiencies identified would help ensure the Council is living within its means while continuing to invest in our communities. In a challenging financial climate, we have taken everything into account and considered a responsible and balanced draft budget that puts residents first.”
Highlights include:
- Frontline services protected, no service cuts
- £3million in proposed efficiencies, delivered through the Bridging the Gap programme and closer working with Torfaen Council
- School funding increased by 10%
- £10million for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, supporting those households most in need
The Council Tax increase would equate to 97p a week increase for those in Band A properties and £1.13p for B properties, which covers the majority of properties in the borough.
Following Scrutiny, the budget will go to the Full Council for final approval in March.
