The UK and Welsh governments were today (Thursday 6 March) urged to do more to protect public services as Anglesey council approved another challenging Budget.
Addressing members of the Full Council, finance portfolio holder, Councillor Robin Williams, urged both to support local government with adequate funding to protect services.
Councillors voted in favour of setting the net revenue budget for 2025 to 2026 at £195.443m; which will include an 8.5% increase in the Band D Council Tax.
The 8.5% increase will take the Band D charge to £1,705.95, an increase of £133.65 (£2.57 per week).
Councillor Williams, said, “Each Budget I’ve presented during my seven years in this role has been difficult, but this has been one of the most challenging to date. Once again, Anglesey has received a financial settlement from Cardiff which just wasn’t enough to fill the £10.5m funding gap faced. Both governments say they understand the challenges we face, but this isn’t reflected in the funding provided. Simply put, they need to put their money where their mouth is.”
“We’ve had to consider a range of options on how to balance the Budget, which has included using general reserves, cutting services, and originally looked at increasing our Council Tax by 9.5%.”
Welsh Government’s decision to introduce a funding floor provided some comfort and has enabled the council to reduce the Council Tax increase to 8.5% and defer some service charge increases and service cuts for another year.
Councillor Williams added, “We take some solace in the fact that Anglesey still has the lowest Council Tax in North Wales and only six other councils (out of 22 in Wales) charge less council tax than we do.”
Council Leader, Councillor Gary Pritchard, said, “We are well aware of the financial pressures facing the residents of Ynys Môn due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, increased National Insurance contributions and the energy price hikes. As an Executive, we have worked hard to try and reduce the proposed Council Tax increase.”
“Throughout the process of setting the Budget, we have called on Welsh Government to provide a settlement that meets the immense pressures on both council services and finances. We have had to make incredibly difficult decisions as the settlement clearly falls short of meeting these pressures.”
He added, “The announcement last week of extra grant funding coming to local authorities means we have been able to adapt budget proposal and reduce the proposed Council Tax increase by 1%.”
Adopting the Budget will also mean that the level of Council Tax premium remains at 100% for both empty and second homes.
Those experiencing difficulty in paying their Council Tax may be eligible for support through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme or other Council Tax discounts.
Ends 6 March 2025