There is welcome news for parents, pupils and schools in Bridgend County Borough Council’s proposed budget for the year ahead.
Despite facing a challenging financial climate and the need to find £2.4 million in savings, the council has confirmed that school budgets will be protected. As it launches its annual Time to Talk budget consultation for 2026 to 27, the authority says it is no longer planning any cuts to education funding, following a better than expected draft budget settlement from the Welsh Government.
This reassurance comes as the council works to balance its budget while continuing to fund essential services across the county borough.
Despite original plans proposing a reduction to school budgets for the coming year, the council has now confirmed that it’s not planning any cuts to school budgets as it launches its annual ‘Time to Talk’ budget consultation for 2026-27. This commitment comes as the council navigates a challenging financial landscape, which has been supported by better-than-expected draft budget settlement from Welsh Government.
Every year, the council has the difficult task of agreeing a balanced budget to ensure essential services keep running smoothly. This includes everything from schools and education to social care, waste and recycling, keeping our roads in good condition, libraries, leisure facilities, and crucial support for those experiencing homelessness.
For the upcoming 2026/27 financial year, the council is set to receive a 4.6 per cent increase in funding from Welsh Government. This means the revenue budget which totals £550 million, will be fully spent to support the services outlined. While the funding boost has helped reduce the overall budget gap, years of austerity mean that public services are still feeling the pressure.
To help balance the budget, a 4.95% increase in council tax is being proposed. Crucially, these proposals are designed to protect the most vulnerable residents and keep frontline services running effectively.
“The proposed budget prioritises support for those most in need and aims to keep frontline services as intact as possible, ensuring fair funding for schools and social services. This includes a net increase in funding for schools, children’s services, and adult services – with a firm commitment that schools will not face savings targets. Looking ahead, the council is also exploring innovative ways to deliver services more efficiently and resiliently in the future, including the potential use of digital technology and AI to drive improvements.”
Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, Cllr Hywel Williams
The draft budget for 2026/27 will be discussed by the Council’s Cabinet on 13 January 2026.
