Newport Council plans to save £4.3 million through library cuts and community centre handovers amid rising costs and budget shortfalls
Newport: The city council is facing a tough time. They need to save £4.3 million to balance their budget for the upcoming financial year starting in April.
To tackle this, they’re looking at cutting library services and community centres, making changes at care homes, and even raising council tax.
This isn’t the first time they’ve had to make cuts. Last November, they announced plans to automate services and shift many applications online.
So, why is Newport City Council in this situation? Like many councils in Wales, they’re dealing with a big budget shortfall.
The costs of running services have shot up, but the money from the government hasn’t kept pace. A recent report highlights inflation and pay rises for staff as major factors.
Plus, with the cost-of-living crisis, more people are turning to councils for help, and there are shortages in key areas like social care.
Most of Newport’s funding comes from grants from the Welsh Government, which are funded by the UK Government. This year, they’re expecting a decent increase in support.
They’re set to receive a 5.6% rise in funding, which means an extra £17.5 million to help with services. But residents will see a 6.7% hike in their council tax bills.
They’re also planning to raise fees for certain services. It’s all about tightening the belt.
Last November, the council shared plans to save money by cutting unnecessary spending. They want to modernize services and make them more efficient.
Some of the ideas include automating customer services and moving forms online for things like parking permits and school admissions.
They’re also looking to save money by shopping around for better utility contracts and adjusting budgets for regional services.
Now, they’re proposing to cut the number of libraries in Newport. They say demand has changed a lot over the past six years.
They want to keep four main libraries open but are considering closing the well-used Caerleon Library unless a local group steps in to run it.
Community centres are also under review due to maintenance issues and low usage. The council wants volunteer groups to take over nine of these centres.
They’re hoping this will help them manage the remaining centres more effectively and within budget.
Fees for various services are set to rise, including residential homes and community centre bookings. Some charges could go up by 8%.
Parking fees in city parks are also expected to increase, along with charges for pest control services.
They’re even thinking about cutting back on the frequency of the Newport Matters circular, possibly replacing it with a digital version.
As for residential care homes, they won’t get government funding for short-term bed use anymore, and some beds will be shifted back to long-term care.
What’s next? The council’s cabinet will meet on January 13 to discuss these proposals and gather public feedback.
Residents will have a chance to voice their opinions, and councillors will debate the plans before finalizing the budget for the next financial year.
