Bridgend Council’s Proposal to End Free Bin Bags for Residents
Residents in the Bridgend area may soon have to start paying for their own rubbish bags as the local council considers measures to reduce costs in their upcoming budget. The potential change is part of the authority’s proposed budget for the 2025-26 financial year, with approximately £9.1 million in savings required to balance the books. One of the agreed savings is the discontinuation of free blue household rubbish bags that are currently distributed to homes in the area twice a year. This move, slated to take effect from April 2025, would mean residents have to provide their own bags for waste disposal, a change that is expected to be met with resistance from the community.
The decision to cease providing free bin bags is projected to save Bridgend Council around £220,000 annually. This cost-saving measure is part of a larger budget plan amounting to £530 million. Despite a 4% increase in funding from the Welsh Government’s provisional settlement in December 2024, the council faces financial pressures and escalating service demands necessitating tough choices. Apart from potentially increasing council tax by 4.5%, the proposed budget also includes other savings initiatives like scaling back the local CCTV service, discontinuing the meals-at-home service, and reassessing home-to-school transport arrangements.
Furthermore, the budget draft contemplates a 1% reduction in school delegated budgets and the withdrawal of funds from music services in Bridgend schools, sparking controversy. Additional cost-saving measures being considered involve raising charges for bulky waste collections from £30 to £35 for three items and hiking fees for bereavement services by 20%, including burial charges. Following scrutiny and public consultation, the council’s decision on the draft budget for 2025-26 is scheduled for February 26.
The proposed changes have stirred mixed reactions within the community, with concerns raised about the potential implications on residents and the local environment. Some residents fear the impact of increased fees on waste disposal, while others emphasise the importance of maintaining essential services amidst budget constraints. The council aims to strike a balance between financial sustainability and meeting the needs of constituents as they navigate challenging economic conditions.
Residents and stakeholders eagerly await the council’s final decision on the proposed budget measures, as the outcome will significantly affect public services and the quality of life in the Bridgend area. Despite the inevitable difficulties associated with budget constraints, the council remains committed to transparent decision-making and engaging with the community to address concerns. As the local government grapples with tough financial choices, the welfare and interests of residents remain a top priority.