Plans to Increase Cardiff Council Tax and Make Changes to Jobs and Parking Services Advance
Cardiff Council has taken a step forward in its plans to raise council tax, implement job cuts, and make adjustments to parking permits and other services. These proposals have received initial approval from the council’s cabinet members during a recent meeting, as part of the local authority’s budget for 2025-26.
The proposed measures aim to address a significant budget deficit of £27.7 million that the council is currently facing. Some of the key changes include a 4.95% increase in council tax, reductions in jobs through non-replacement of vacancies and voluntary redundancies, and hikes in the cost of parking permits and various council services.
Despite the budget constraints, certain areas such as schools, children’s services, and social care are slated to receive additional funding under the proposed budget. The council also plans to allocate resources towards addressing issues like inner-city fly-tipping, drain clearances, and park improvements.
However, concerns have been raised by opposition councillors regarding the financial impact of unresolved matters such as the council’s landfill tax dispute with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). One councillor highlighted the absence of provisions for addressing past financial challenges in adult social care and advocated for greater funding for schools.
In response to these concerns, Cardiff Council clarified that the budget allocation does not significantly incorporate any past financial discrepancies and emphasised the importance of investing in projects like schools and central education services. The council also defended its decision to allocate funds for capital projects such as the redevelopment of Atlantic Wharf and the construction of a new council headquarters.
The budget discussions also touched on the closure of the former household waste recycling centre in north Cardiff and the need for a potential replacement facility. Councillors pointed out the absence of plans for addressing such gaps and suggested exploring alternative solutions like mobile recycling services to bridge the gap.
As the budget proposals move forward, debates and voting on the final budget are scheduled to take place during a Cardiff Council full council meeting on Thursday, March 6. The council aims to strike a balance between addressing the financial shortfall and prioritising key areas of service provision for the benefit of the city and its residents.
The cabinet members also emphasised the positive impacts of planned projects like the 15,000-capacity indoor arena at Atlantic Wharf, highlighting the economic benefits and growth opportunities that such developments can bring to Cardiff. While challenges remain, the council remains committed to steering the city towards a financially sustainable future while catering to the diverse needs of its population.
In conclusion, the proposed budget for Cardiff reflects a strategic approach to tackling financial challenges while investing in key areas of public service delivery. As the budget discussions progress, the council faces the task of balancing fiscal responsibility with the imperative of meeting the evolving needs of Cardiff residents and maintaining the city’s growth trajectory.