Budget proposal would see 3.95% council tax rise

COUNCIL tax and the cost of school meals could rise in Cardiff. Cardiff council revealed in its budget proposals for 2023-24 that it will look at increasing council tax by 3.95% and the cost of school meals by 5%.

This is lower than the 10% increase for school meals that the authority put forward in its budget consultation in December.

The leader of Cardiff council, Huw Thomas, said: “Almost double the number of people took part in this year’s consultation. I’ve little doubt they were motivated by the cost-of-living crisis and the impact it is having across the nation.

“They wanted this council to know the services that matter most to them and the ones they want us to safeguard. The services that make a difference to their lives, their children’s lives, and their wider families’ lives.

“It was clear that education and help for the most vulnerable, and for those living in our most deprived areas were high on their list. We have reflected on our residents’ views when deciding which consultation options to take forward.”

If the council’s budget proposals are approved, council tax will go up by 3.95%.

Cardiff council was initially looking at a funding gap of £53m before it was announced it would be getting a 9% increase in funding from the Welsh Government.

However, despite the betterthan-expected settlement, the authority is still looking at a budget gap of £23.5m.

Most of the council’s annual budget (74%) comes from Welsh Government grant. The remaining 26% is from council tax.

The majority of respondents to the council’s budget consultation, almost 6,000 people, were in favour of limiting a cost increase for school meals.

Data from the council shows that 30% wanted to limit any increase in school meals to 5%, with 21% supporting a 10% price increase.

As part of the council’s budget proposals, schools would also receive an extra £25m a year.

On the proposed 5% increase for the cost of school meals, Cllr Thomas said the originally proposed 10% increase was due to rising food costs.

He added: “If agreed by full council, this will mean that we will continue to provide a significant subsidy of this service across our schools.”

Adults’ and children’s social services could also see a boost in funding, with the council looking at providing an extra £23m as part of its budget.

The cost of residential parking permits could be set to go up. The council is proposing to increase the cost of first resident permits from £7.50 to £24.

Under its proposal, second resident permits would increase from £30 to £54. The cost of parking at council car parks could also be set to go up.

As part of the budget proposals, pay and display parking would increase by 50p a visit on street and by £1 in council car parks.

Commenting on the budget proposals, the council’s cabinet member for finance, modernisation and performance, Cllr Chris Weaver, said: “This will be among the lowest increases in council tax in Wales, well below inflation, but it will bring in an extra £6.5m. Crucially, this increase will help us maintain the services our citizens have come to rely on.”

The budget proposals will be brought to and discussed at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, March 2. If agreed by cabinet, full council will vote on the proposals on Thursday, March 9.