Council tax hike possible as funding ‘inequality’ under fire

A COUNCIL tax hike could be introduced in the Vale of Glamorgan after a council leader criticised the Welsh Government’s “inequality” in funding of local authorities.

The council’s Cabinet met on Monday, when councillors agreed to propose a 3.9% increase in council tax for 2018-19.

It was claimed by the council’s leader, Coun John Thomas, that the Vale of Glamorgan received “one of the lowest funding settlements” from the Welsh Government.

He added that this has put a strain on local services provided by the council, claiming schools and education in the county are “grossly underfunded” compared to the rest of Wales.

Coun Thomas said: “With both the demand for our services and the cost of delivering them continuing to rise, the challenges of supporting those residents that rely on the council are more acute than ever.

“The Vale of Glamorgan has always received one of the lowest funding settlements in Wales from the Welsh Government and we have seen a real-terms cut yet again in 2018.

“Although we aim to make savings in excess of £6.2m over the course of the next financial year, this cut still leaves us with no alternative but to look to raise revenue locally.”

It is proposed that the budget for 2018-19 should be fixed at £222m, including a provision of £200k for discretionary rate relief to rural shops, post offices and charitable organisations.

The biggest portion of the budget would go towards schools, with £84m earmarked.

Other parts of the budget include £46m going towards adult services, £26m going to neighbourhood and transport services and £15m going towards services for children and young people, among others.

The proposed council tax rates for residents living in a Band D property will be £1,186.92 per annum.