Tory group has difficult choice
Powys Conservatives say they could, reluctantly, vote for a five per cent increase in council tax for 2018.
The Tory group on the council has long opposed rises in Council Tax. But it says it is now faced with having to reconsider the position.
Councillor Aled Davies, Leader of the Powys Conservative Group and Cabinet Member for Finance said: “The needs of Powys County Council are placing Tory Councillors in a very difficult position. As a group, we remain opposed to Council Tax rises but we must balance the budget and address the costs that have arisen from the Children’s Services inspection."
Another cabinet member, Councillor Jonathan Wilkinson, said: “Previous administrations have avoided making difficult decisions. This, compounded by the very serious problems in Adult and Children’s Services have meant that a significant rise in Council Tax is unavoidable. Sadly, the proposed 5 per cent increase will be insufficient to plug the gap and the Council will need to identify where further significant savings can be made.”
During the cabinet meeting last week councillors were told that a five per cent increase would generate an extra £3.5 million, which will only part fund the increased investment of £12.8 million in vital services for children and the elderly.
The increase will cost the average band D payer an extra £56.63 for the year bringing the annual council tax bill to £1,189.20. The figure does not include town and community council and police precepts.
The figure will include an extra £1 million for schools and £179,000 to the fire service.
Savings could include delaying recruiting staff, where appropriate.
Speaking at the cabinet meeting Councillor Davies said that a £17 million shortfall remained in the 2019/20 budget.
"The scale of action required in the next years will drive huge change across the council. Our future plans do also include capital investment throughout the county, it is important that we continue to renew core infrastructure such as schools and housing. Maintaining the capital programme is vital for the regeneration of the county’s economy as well as reducing the council’s running costs."
"We face huge challenges over the next years but there are also great opportunities to reshape service delivery and support economic growth to enable our children to have great careers and exciting lives here in Powys,” he added.
