This week, Bridgend Council is finalising and set to approve its budget for the coming financial year.
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The big headline of the budget is that council tax is set to be frozen for a year (pdf).
Depending on future local government settlements and public finances more generally, the council is planning for increases of around 4.5% from 2023-24 onwards.
The only element of council tax that’s seeing a significant increase is the South Wales Police precept, which is being increased by 5% (+£14.40 at Band D). Bridgend will also contribute an additional £180,000 to South Wales Fire & Rescue Service.
Several new and increased charges are set to be approved (pdf). These include:
- A change to fees for pre-planning application advice (was £300, but will now be set on a case-by-case basis).
- Increase in hire fees for special events on playing fields like community fun days, fun runs (£124-per day for adults; £74-per-day for juniors).
- The introduction of pest control fees for fleas (£90) and wasps (£60). All other council managed pest control services – rats, mice etc. will remain free.
- A charge for insurance companies and legal representatives to view CCTV footage (£50+VAT).
- A new charge at Porthcawl Marina for the use of a crane (£TBC).
As for town & community councils, the majority have decided to either freeze or cut their precepts next year (the figures are for the average Band D).
The only exceptions of note are Coychurch Lower, Llangynwyd Lower and Llangynwyd Middle community councils. Coychurch Lower is the one that stands out as their precept has increased by almost 60% in two years.
That could be because of an expensive capital project (the council is looking to renovate Williams Memorial Hall). As it’s a small council (with a total annual budget of around £41,000) it’ll be disproportionately more expensive – it doesn’t suggest wrongdoing or runaway finances in itself, but it’s noteworthy.
Here’s what the total council tax bill – precepts included – is expected to be in each band for the coming financial year:
