Communities are set to see the benefits of record spending of more than £677.5m on critical council services in the coming year.
A report going to Swansea Council’s Cabinet next week highlights how services for school pupils, vulnerable children and older people will all see real improvements as funding increases are set to be well ahead of inflation.
On top of this the council is set to introduce a new £10m Economic Growth Fund that would see a £3m boost for road resurfacing projects and tackling potholes.
If the budget and EGF plans are approved, it would see more than £12m earmarked for road resurfacing, repairs and potholes next year as part of £37m allocated to highways and transportation.
The fund would also see £1m set aside to boost events, tourism, community initiatives and the council’s commitment to making its commitment to Christmas in Swansea even more exciting.
Residents will also see extra funding for a number of other initiatives, including a permanent commitment to deep-cleaning our streets worth £474,000 and a £250,000 commitment to clamping down on fly-tipping.
There would also be an extra £150,000 investment in Swansea’s much-loved network of bridleways and footpaths.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “We have a strong track record of using our money wisely and driving down our costs which means we can now put record funding into vital services such as schools and social services.
“But, on top of that, we’re also looking to go further and faster in tackling the other issues residents care about in their communities, particularly road repairs and keeping our streets clean.
“That’s where the Economic Growth Fund comes in. It’ll not just be about dealing with road repairs, it’ll also make money available for events and initiatives that give our communities and neighbourhoods a lift, like music and other events.
“The EGF would be introduced alongside our plans to scrap the cost of garden waste bags, tackle fly-tipping and permanently invest in the expansion of our ward cleansing teams whose job it is to deal with unsightly weeds, overgrowth and other issues that affect the look and feel of our neighbourhoods.”
The council is also proposing one of the lowest council tax increases in Wales of 3.9% or £1.01 a week for Band B homes, all which will be used to fund services. The 3.9% will include 0.5% to fund the Mid and West Wales fire service, meaning the council’s share of the council tax rise is closer to 3.4%.
If approved, the council’s base budget proposals mean schools will get a record increase of almost £12.3m – an above-inflation 5.7% – taking funding to a record £240.4m for Education and Schools combined.
Care services for vulnerable adults and children and tackling poverty will get a £10.9m increase, taking funding to a record £206.9m.
Cllr Stewart said: “The extra funding for schools and social services will help ensure schools are able support our children to learn and our care workers look after vulnerable adults and children.
“Next year, we will still be committed to helping families and residents with money-saving initiatives like free bus services, food support grants and our Swansea Spaces under our #HereForYou campaign which has helped thousands of people over the last year.”
Cllr Stewart said: “To keep council tax rise at one of the lowest in Wales, we are continuing to play our part to keep costs down for taxpayers through just under £13m of new savings and efficiencies this year.
“Accounting for these savings and through prudent management of resources, we will be investing £50m into key services.”
The council has been consulting on its budget proposals, and the Cabinet will meet on February 19 to finalise recommendations to Full Council next month.
