Welsh councils are grappling with a staggering £559 million shortfall, risking jobs and services
Wrexham: Councils in Wales are really feeling the pinch, facing a massive £559 million shortfall next year. That’s like needing to raise council tax by 26% or cutting nearly 14,000 jobs. Yikes!
Mark Pritchard, the leader of Wrexham council, was pretty relieved about a better funding deal from the Welsh Government, which announced a 3.8% increase last December. But he’s not convinced it’s enough.
He’s worried about cuts to services, job losses, and higher taxes. “We’ve got no other option here,” he said, stressing the urgency of the situation.
During a recent meeting with the Senedd’s local government committee, he admitted that while the funding boost is a step up, it’s still not sufficient. “Is the Welsh Government setting us up to fail?” he asked, highlighting the need for proper funding.
Pritchard pointed out the struggles in adult social care and children’s services in Wrexham, where the council has already put in an extra £25 million. He’s concerned about potential job cuts across Wales and the looming threat of bankruptcy.
He warned, “We’re on the edge, and unless the money comes, there will be serious consequences.” He also mentioned the £109 million hit from rising national insurance contributions, calling for clarity on that front.
Mary Ann Brocklesby, the Labour leader of Monmouthshire council, echoed these concerns. She noted that councils have been facing tough challenges after 14 years of austerity.
With pressures mounting in social care and education, she said the resources just aren’t there. Without the proposed funding increase, councils could be looking at major job cuts and slashed services.
