Council tax set to rise 2.5% in Rhondda Cynon Taff as budget sets out to protect frontline services

A BUDGET which aims to protect jobs and frontline services has been put forward by the cabinet of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council for further consultation before a final decision is made in February.

The council agreed to continue its investment in services, to support the creation of a modern apprenticeship scheme and to support first-time buyers.

If the budget is agreed, council tax will rise by 2.5%.

RCT Council received its second worst financial settlement – following its worst last year – with an increase of only 0.42%, which it says is a result of cuts imposed on Welsh public services by the UK Government.

The council says it’s experiencing significant increases in demand for services, particularly in social care, and that there is limited opportunity to increase council tax.

The council states that the proposals agreed set out a balanced budget that:

Does not cut services;

does not require compulsory redundancies;

protects schools;

invests in social care and the environment;

introduces a new apprenticeship scheme for the young unemployed;

invests further in our road infrastructure;

and provides support for first time buyers.

Council leader Russell Roberts said: “Even after having to deal with the major cuts in funding imposed on Wales by the UK government, ever growing service demands, and understanding the financial implications of the council tax on our residents, we have worked to set a budget that is balanced and protects jobs and services as well as investing in the key priorities both we and the public have identified.

“We have been able to do this because as an administration over the last seven years we have put in place strong financial management as a key to taking this council forward.

“We are proposing a council tax increase of just under 2.5% which will bring in an extra £2m to be spent on frontline services. This is the lowest increase in many years and those on benefits will, of course, be fully protected.

“While some councils may set a lower increase, they will be then be needing to cut services and jobs, we will not and we see this small increase as the right thing to do to protect the much needed services in our area.

“During the first phase of our budget consultation we engaged with over 500 people whose views have been fully taken into account, particularly their support for our priorities where we have now looked to target investment in next year's budget, such as road improvements and job creation.

“We will invest heavily in schools, social care, a further £3m in roads, £2m in mortgage support for first-time buyers in our area and introduce a scheme that will provide top class apprenticeship opportunities to young people.

“As leader, I am proud to put forward these proposals and believe that this administration will be one of the few, if not the only council in Wales that will invest rather than cut services, and will not make anyone compulsorily redundant.”


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