Residents facing almost 6% hike in council tax

COUNCIL taxpayers in Monmouthshire face an increase of nearly six per cent under plans set out for next year’s budget.

Monmouthshire council’s cabinet will meet to approve the release of budget proposals next week, with the authority needing to save £5.7m in the next financial year.

The council is proposing a 5.95 per cent council tax rise, one per cent higher than signalled in a report last month.

Following the proposed rise next year, council tax increases of 3.95 per cent for the remaining years of the administration are planned.

School budgets have been protected and additional resources have been allocated to meet increasing demand for children’s and adults social services.

As part of the budget, the council is also showing “intent” to begin drawing up plans which could help regenerate Usk, similar to a £10m regeneration proposal in Caldicot.

Other budget savings proposed include charging blue badge holders, removing free Christmas parking, increasing parking charges by 10 per cent and introducing charges on Sundays.

Day closures at tips and setting up a new way of delivering tourism, leisure and culture services are also planned to bring savings.

If approved at cabinet, the proposals will go out for public consultation from Wednesday until January 31.