Here’s a summary of the views and recommendations of Bridgend Council’s scrutiny committees concerning the draft 2025-26 council budget (pdf).
The 2025-26 budget is set to be finalised by BCBC’s Cabinet on 18th February, then debated and voted on at full council on 26th February.
Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee: “Future of CCTV services needs to be clarified”
This committee is responsible for scrutinising the administration and corporate strategies of the council as a whole.
- The Committee were concerned that many proposed cuts to administration costs were “red” and, therefore, deemed difficult to achieve.
- BCBC should continue to lobby for any budget pressures caused by changes made to the law to be fully funded by the Welsh or UK governments. Changes to national insurance contributions by the UK Government are expected to have caused £1.5million worth of budget pressures alone this year.
- Similarly, the council should hold discussions with town & community councils before suggesting they help close funding gaps.
- The council should look at best practices in IT and any possible budget savings from using artificial intelligence.
- The committee requested further clarification on proposals around, and funding for, CCTV services (a proposed cut in the 2026-27 budget).
- Residents should be encouraged to enrol for any benefits they may be entitled to.
- Future budget reports should include glossaries and charts to make the information easier for residents to understand.
Scrutiny Committee One: “Reconsider cuts to schools, school counselling and the Bridgend Music Service”
This committee is responsible for scrutinising education and schools.
- The Committee were concerned that 50-75% of the county’s schools were already in a budget deficit and the proposed 1% cut would make matters worse. They recommended that the Cabinet do everything it can to prevent – or lessen the impact of – the proposed cut to school budgets.
- The Committee were concerned about proposed cuts to school counselling and the Bridgend Music Service, both of which were “vital” for pupils’ mental health and school enrichment programmes. They recommended alternative means of delivery are considered including not-for-profit or commercial partnerships.
Scrutiny Committee Two: “Cuts to safeguarding potentially put the council’s reputation at risk”
This committee scrutinises social services.
- The Committee recommended that proposed cuts to social services commissioning and safeguarding (totalling £186,000) be reversed. This was due to the expected impact on workloads and the possible reputational risk to the council.
- Councillors should be briefed on how artificial intelligence “could safely aid in reducing staff”.
Scrutiny Committee Three: “Rethink in-house recycling service; maintain free blue bag deliveries (if possible)”
This committee scrutinises the Communities Directorate, which covers planning, highways, waste & recycling (amongst other things).
- The Committee were “frustrated” they were not told about a £100,000-per-year ongoing cost associated with the new Porthcawl Metrolink bus station. They recommended that, in future, an accurate figure for ongoing costs associated with all capital/new projects is provided.
- The Committee were also disappointed that their previous recommendations concerning the future of waste services “had not appeared to be considered” by the Cabinet, resulting in a £1.2million budget pressure arising earlier than expected. They recommended the proposal to bring waste and recycling services in-house be looked at again, with the current contract with Plan B extended to give BCBC additional time.
- The lease agreement for (the presently closed) Bridgend Indoor Market should be reviewed, as BCBC will be potentially paying £300,000-a-year until 2071 based on the terms of the current contract.
- Car parking provision in Bridgend town centre and its associated budget pressures should be reviewed.
- The Council should reconsider cuts to waste/fly tipping enforcement.
- The proposed 20% increase to bereavement fees and withdrawal of free blue bag deliveries should be reconsidered.
- The £1million-per-year budget to repair and resurface roads in the county may not be enough to meet demand.
