Monmouthshire County Council has published its draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year, focusing on protecting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents.
With a proposed net revenue budget of £216million, an 8% increase from the 2024/25 budget. The draft budget prioritises essential neighbourhood services which are critical for maintaining the quality of life in the communities and preserving our environment for future generations.
In a commitment to enhancing frontline services, Social Care and Health funding is set to rise by 10.6%, while Education funding will increase by 10.7%.
Additionally, more than £2million will be allocated for capital investment in crucial infrastructure, focusing on highways improvements, building upon the previous year’s investment of £1million in these essential areas.
Key funding sources include a 62% grant from the Welsh Government, while the remainder will be raised through council tax. To support these services, the council proposes an average council tax increase of 7.8%.
This budget increase is made possible by the support from the Welsh Government and from the new Westminster Government, which has resulted in an additional £5.1million this year after adjustments.
The council is in continuing discussions with the Welsh Government so that a further increase in their funding can assist in closing a continued gap between projected revenue and expenditure.
Monmouthshire County Council Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, stated, “Our residents expect and deserve a balanced budget for 2025/26, and we are working across the organisation to achieve this. The budget we publish today protects the key services our residents need, focusing on protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”
“I am working tirelessly to cover some of the budget gaps through ongoing negotiations with the Welsh Government, but we also need to consider other proposals to provide the best services possible to our residents.”
Beginning on 23 January 2025, residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the council on the draft budget. This feedback is essential in the budget-setting process, ensuring that the council prioritises the most valuable services for the community.
Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Ben Callard, said: “Open and robust scrutiny and challenge is an essential part of the budget setting process and something we place great importance on as your Cabinet representatives. Your views are vital to the budget setting process. These proposals are not set in stone, and your feedback will help us ensure a fair budget while protecting core services.”
To view the proposals, please visit: https://democracy.monmouthshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=144&MId=6305
