Neath Port Talbot Council has announced an increase in council tax by 7% as part of its newly confirmed budget for 2025-26. The council is facing significant financial pressures, leading to cuts in spending on items like road markings and signs, along with increases in fees and charges for services like cemeteries, adjustments to street lighting hours, and a re-design of homeless services. The annual budget also covers expenses for staff salaries, building maintenance, pensions, and operational costs.
Plans for proposed changes such as three-weekly bin collections and removal of wheelie bins have been scrapped. The Welsh Government funding for Neath Port Talbot increased by 4.4%, bringing the revenue budget to £405 million for the upcoming financial year. This budget allocation includes £121 million for education and lifelong learning, £127 million for social services, housing, and community safety, and £18 million for corporate services.
Despite the financial challenges, the council assures there will be no significant cuts to services or jobs. However, savings will be made through various measures, including a reduction in council revenue spent on local bus support, increased fees for cemetery services, adjusted street lighting schedules, and changes to homeless services to reduce temporary accommodations. Additionally, there will be a decrease in the day-to-day budget for road assets maintenance.
Council leader Steve Hunt described the budget-setting process as one of the most challenging in his 16-year tenure. He emphasized the importance of maintaining jobs and services as a top priority. While the approved budget received 31 votes in favor, with 22 against and two abstentions, members of the opposition expressed concerns. Labour group leader Cllr Rob Jones criticized the budget for not doing enough to protect and preserve existing council services, while Cllr Stephanie Grimshaw highlighted the burden the council tax increase poses on the community.
In a recorded vote, the council also approved a capital budget of £182 million, aiming to address essential infrastructure and development projects in the region. The decision to increase council tax and implement cost-saving measures reflects the council’s efforts to navigate financial constraints while striving to maintain essential services for the residents of Neath Port Talbot. As the community braces for changes in local governance and service provision, the council remains focused on ensuring the welfare and interests of its constituents.
This announcement comes amidst broader discussions on financial management and public service delivery, underscoring the importance of transparent and accountable governance in addressing the evolving needs of the local population. The decisions made by the Neath Port Talbot Council serve as a reflection of the broader economic challenges faced by local authorities across the UK, highlighting the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and meeting the demands of a growing and diverse community.