3% council tax rise on way in new year
Residents to have say on budget priorities:
RHONDDA Cynon Taf Council is looking at increasing council tax by 3% next year.
Council leader Andrew Morgan told a meeting of full council on November 27 that the local authority is starting its consultation on the 2020-21 budget, which includes a proposed 3% increase in council tax.
This is slightly lower than this year’s increase of 3.6%.
The consultation is taking place over two stages, with a number of events being held in December, because the Welsh Government’s provisional Local Government Settlement has been delayed until December 16 due to the December 12 General Election.
The first phase runs until December 16 with 12 drop-in events across RCT for people to have their say on their priorities for the budget.
This year’s total net revenue budget for the council is £483m with the Welsh Government funding 76% of this (£367m), council tax accounting for 23% (£112m) and the remaining 1% (£4m) from specific grants and the use of the council’s own reserves.
The council will be seeking people’s views on council tax increases, the funding currently provided to deliver services, which services the council should prioritise for investment, possible increases in fees and charges, the council tax reduction scheme and what funding schools get.
The events will be held on the following dates:
■ Abercynon Library on Thursday, December 5 between 2pm and 4pm;
■ Aberdare town centre on Friday, December 6 between 10.30am and 2pm;
■ Hirwaun Library on Tuesday, December 10 between 10am and 12pm;
■ Pontypridd Town Centre on Wednesday, December 11 between 10.30am and 2pm;
■ Mountain Ash community hub on
Friday, December 13 between 10am and noon.
The second phase of the consultation will start in January 2020 for two weeks.
The council will then have to agree its balanced budget for 2020-21 in March.
To take part in the consultation go to www.rctcbc.gov.uk/currentconsultations, email consultation@rctcbc.gov. uk or write to Research & Consultation, Public Relations & Strategy, The Pavilions, Cambrian Industrial Park, Clydach Vale, Tonypandy, CF40 2XX.