Morgan’s Musings

LAST month, the Cabinet considered a report aimed at boosting recycling rates, as we look to improve on our strong performances over recent years.

The 64% of overall waste recycled in the 2016 calendar year and the 2016/17 financial year cemented our place among the top 10 recycling local authorities in Wales.

More improvements must be made if we are to reach the Welsh Government’s 70% target by 2024/25, with fines set to be issued to authorities who miss the target.

The proposals considered by Cabinet are designed to target those who do not recycle, and the council will always engage with residents before issuing any form of financial penalty.

We are not looking to catch people out if, for example, a stray can ends up in a black bin.

As part of our responsibility to set a legally balanced budget, the Cabinet will shortly consider budget strategy options for 2018/19, which will then be considered by full council. This includes a proposal to increase council tax by 3.3%, which again looks to be one of the lowest rises in Wales.

This year’s consultation feedback has seen residents indicate that they are willing to support a small rise if it will support the delivery of good quality key services. Through our strong financial management, the proposed budget would also deliver a £2m cash uplift for schools.

Cabinet recently agreed in principle to a £300m strategic capital investment programme, over and above our normal spending plans, to continue to deliver huge investment in highways, schools, housing and town centres over the next five years.