Council’s final budget plans include council tax increase and job cuts
The council needs to save over £27m in 2025/26 Photo cred: Wikimedia Commons
Cardiff Council has announced its final budget plans which include council tax increases and 60 job cuts.
The local authority revealed its final proposals to save £27.7m in 2025/26 following a public consultation on the initial proposals earlier this year.
Part of the saving measures include a council tax increase of 4.95% - around £1.40 a week for a Band D household – to raise £9.4m.
Council jobs would also be lost through vacancies not being replaced and voluntary redundancy, with management roles alone saving £800,000.
Cardiff Council’s cabinet member for finance, modernisation and performance, Cllr Chris Weaver, said: “Demand for council services is increasing due to several factors.
“The cost-of-living crisis has led to more people presenting as homeless in the city, from families who can no longer afford rents or mortgages to single individuals facing similar challenges,” adding that ageing population and children with additional learning needs require extra support.
Cllr Weaver continued: “These are vitally important services, and we have to do our best to ensure people get the help they need and deserve.”
Breakdown of the main proposals
Cardiff Council was initially looking at a budget gap of more than £60m – this was reduced thanks to Welsh Government funding.
There is, however, still a gap of £27.7m which is due to “inflation, demand pressures, expected pay increases for teachers, social workers, and other public sector employees”, according to Cardiff Council.
Along with council tax increases and job cuts, the local authority is suggested to close that gap through the following:
⦁ An increase in residential parking charges for second and visitor permits from £80 to £90
⦁ A 9.6% increase in the cost of the burial service, from £1,040 to £1,140
⦁ A 4.6% increase in the cost of the cremation service, from £870 to £910
⦁ A 15p increase in the cost of secondary school meals, from £3.40 to £3.55
The council has made some changes to its plans following a public consultation, with residential parking charges for second and visitor permits being reduced from £120 to £90 and surcharges for burials and cremations at weekends and Bank Holiday dropped altoghether.
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According to Cardiff Council, money will be spent in the following areas:
£1.5m on neighbourhood regeneration, including parks
£1m on schemes to improve street cleanliness and recycling
£600,000 to help support community events
£600,000 for Child Friendly initiatives like Cardiff Commitment
£250,000 for additional drain clearances
£200,000 for sports facilities grants
£200,000 for community safety initiatives
£150,000 for bus shelters
Schools, Adult Services and children’s services will receive additional funding under the plans.
Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: "I want to assure you that your voices have been heard loud and clear. Our budget reflects your needs and priorities, even as we navigate the challenges of a £27.7m budget gap.”
Cardiff Council’s budget proposals will be discussed by cabinet members at a meeting on Thursday, February 27.
If agreed by cabinet, the proposals will go to full council on Thursday, March 6 for final approval.
