Welsh councils face rising council tax while services decline, raising concerns about sustainability and future funding
Wrexham: It’s a tough time for councils in Wales. They’re juggling higher council taxes but struggling to keep services running smoothly. The money just isn’t there, and it’s causing a real headache.
Leaders from various councils recently laid it all out in front of a committee. They’re feeling the pinch after years of budget cuts. Even with some extra funding from the Welsh Government, it’s not enough to keep things afloat. They’re looking at council tax hikes of nearly 15% just to maintain what they have.
These councils are responsible for a ton of services, from schools to social care. But with fewer staff and less cash, they’re finding it hard to meet the growing demands. Some services are legally required, but others are falling by the wayside.
Wrexham’s leader, Mark Pritchard, warned that bankruptcy is a looming threat. He mentioned that they could lose up to 15,000 public sector jobs if things don’t change. That’s a scary thought for everyone involved.
Bridgend’s deputy leader, Jane Gebbie, echoed these concerns. She pointed out that they can’t even pay staff properly because of budget constraints. It’s a tough sell when neighboring areas offer better pay, making it hard to keep good workers.
They’ve tried to save money by asking for voluntary redundancies, but not many people are biting. So, they might have to go the compulsory route, which is never a good sign.
There are also gaps in services that are supposed to help people. For instance, a program meant to improve care coordination is facing delays, putting everyone at risk. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to do the right thing but can’t get the support you need.
On top of that, councils are worried about rising costs from changes in National Insurance contributions. They’re trying to set budgets for the next year without knowing how much funding they’ll actually get. It’s like trying to hit a moving target.
In short, Welsh councils are in a tough spot. They need more money to keep services running, but the funding just isn’t there. It’s a situation that needs urgent attention before it gets worse.
