Bridgend County Borough Council has agreed a net revenue budget of £408m for 2026-27 and this includes a commitment to protecting budgets for schools as well as investing into visible public realm improvements such as highways maintenance and street cleaning.
Developed following careful analysis of feedback from extensive public consultation and scrutiny by councillors, this will enable the council to continue to provide local residents with more than 800 services.
Of this figure, at least £164m will be invested into services provided by Education, Early Years and Young People. More than £124m will be allocated for Social Services and Wellbeing, and a minimum of £37m for services provided by Communities.
Other services which include housing and community safety, will receive £29m, with support for residents through the council tax reduction scheme and discretionary rate relief totalling £18m.
A council tax increase of 4.7 per cent has also been agreed – lower than the 4.95 per cent that was originally anticipated. This is the equivalent of an extra £1.73 a week on a Band D property.
“It’s pleasing to agree a budget which is both ambitious and responsible in nature. This budget presents an exciting opportunity for Bridgend County Borough and I look forward to seeing these visible improvements throughout all of our communities. “We have listened to the results of the recent public consultation and where possible we have reflected these views within our budget. For example, education as well as public realm improvements all featured strongly in the responses submitted by residents. “It’s also clear that we have aligned the proposals to key corporate objectives such as protecting our most vulnerable residents, creating modern public services and helping residents to meet their potential.”
“Setting a balanced budget is never an easy task but responsible financial management of our resources has once again helped to produce a balanced budget which recognises and protects the services that residents value the most. “When setting a budget, it’s important to consider a wide range of factors rather than focusing on a single aspect. This approach helps ensure that we can invest in a diverse range of services and initiatives, with the aim of supporting as many residents as possible. “Taking on board feedback from the consultation, we have also managed to reduce the council tax increase to 4.7 per cent, which is lower than the 4.95% that was originally anticipated. I would also like to extend my thanks to staff and members who have helped to shape this budget”
