Additional Senedd funding wouldn’t cut 8.9% council tax hike
Cash-strapped councils across Wales are hoping to secure more money to boost their 2025-26 budgets which are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
Powys expects to spend £365 million in the next year, and every 0.5% increase from the Senedd’s share would represent £1.1m. The increase also covers funding for the local fire service.
But Powys said any extra funding would be spent on the county’s shocking road network and not to soften the blow on furious council tax payers.
This is what Powys County Council have told us this morning:
Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, County Councillor David Thomas said:
“Despite the increase in our external funding, growing demand, particularly in social care, and inflationary pressures mean we we’re facing a significant budget gap. The budget we are recommending will deliver a balanced budget.
“Along with other authorities in Wales we have lobbied Welsh Government for a funding floor which guarantees a certain level of funding, which we hope will be agreed. For every 0.5% increase in funding Powys will receive an additional £1.1million. We would welcome any additional funding to support our services.
“As a cabinet we are listening to the people of Powys and as part of our budget plans, we are recommending that any additional funding allocated through the floor be spent on our roads.”
A full meeting of the county council will consider the budget on Thursday, February 20.
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