Bridgend Council has published its final budget plans for the 2025-26 financial year (pdf). A debate and vote will be held in full council next week (26th February).
There’s some uncertainty over precisely how much BCBC will have to spend as the Welsh Government currently faces difficulties getting its budget (which partially sets council budgets) through the Senedd. BCBC had to find £9.1million in cuts and savings this year – which is down by around £4million compared to last year.
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There’s no change from the original proposal for council tax to increase by 4.5%. The average Band D council tax bill will rise to £1,916.96 (+£82.55).
The South Wales Police precept – set by Police & Crime Commissioner, Emma Wools (Lab) – will increase by just under 7.4% (+£26 at Band D), which is a similar increase to last year.
South Wales Fire Service – which is still being run by Welsh Government-appointed commissioners – is to increase BCBC’s annual fire service contribution by £444,000 (pretty much the same increase as last year) to £9.53million.
As for changes to BCBC’s fees for council services (pdf):
- Bereavement service (i.e. burial) fees will increase by 20%.
- Non-residential care fees will increase by 10%.
- Registrar fees will increase by 10%.
- Bulky waste charges will increase to £35.
- The daily charge to buy spare seats on school taxis and minibuses will increase by 30p to £2.50 per day.
- Pest control fees will increase for fleas (£108) and wasps (£72).
- Planning officers will charge £ 30 per hour for work on environmental information requests.
- New fees are being introduced relating to tattoos, certain piercings and cosmetic treatments by the Welsh Government – though BCBC will manage these as the licensing authority.
Town & community council precepts (pdf):
