Merthyr Tydfil Council is considering a potential 6% council tax increase, with budget proposals set to be deliberated at the end of February. As part of this, the council is also looking into adjustments to fees and charges for its services in the upcoming year. While a standard increase of 2.5% is on the cards, some areas are currently under review and may see no change for the time being.
According to a fees and charges policy previously greenlit by councillors, it was agreed that all non-regulated fees and charges should rise annually in line with inflation. For the 2025/26 financial period, this equates to a 2.5% increase based on the consumer price index inflation rate. However, exceptions have been noted in a recent report scheduled to be presented to the cabinet and full council on February 26.
Areas such as social care charges are under scrutiny following updated Welsh Government directives, potentially leading to revisions based on the new guidance received. Contrastingly, for the council’s Lifeline service, which offers community alarms, there is currently no proposed increase for the upcoming year. The focus is shifting towards maintaining existing customers and enhancing market share rather than implementing price hikes.
Similarly, taxi licensing fees and charges are slated to remain unchanged for now as the council undertakes a review of the cost recovery toolkit used by all authorities. Building control fees are also set to stay steady as calculations to determine future fees are still ongoing, necessitating further consideration in the months ahead.
In response to the evolving landscape, a review of existing fees and charges for cemetery services is underway and is expected to conclude by the month’s end. Despite the need to balance revenue generation with the affordability for residents, the council aims to ensure the appropriate utilisation of public funds to sustain services effectively.
Moreover, fees and charges across service areas are being methodically assessed, drawing comparisons with neighbouring authorities to establish benchmark levels. Adjustments are being made in alignment with Welsh Government guidelines to reflect escalating costs associated with specific services. The council is committed to maintaining commercial competitiveness and expanding customer bases while carefully managing fee increments.
As the council progresses with its financial planning, it remains attentive to updates in fees and charges beyond its control throughout the financial year. By incorporating insights from neighbouring authorities and adhering to regulatory standards, Merthyr Tydfil Council aims to strike a balance between financial sustainability and service accessibility for its residents.