Attention Neath Port Talbot residents! Brace yourselves for a potential 3.5% rise in council tax starting April. The council has announced these plans in their draft budget for the 2026-27 financial year, aiming to support essential services like education, social care, and road maintenance. With over £420m on the table, they’re committed to enhancing frontline services.
Following a provisional settlement from the Welsh Government in December 2025, the council’s budget will see a 4.2% increase, translating to an extra £13.5m in funding. However, this still leaves a budget gap, pushing the council to explore savings and new income-generating initiatives.
Some of the proposed measures to bridge the shortfall include reducing reliance on bed and breakfast accommodations for the homeless by purchasing properties and furthering an adult services transformation programme. Additional plans may involve cutting the operating subsidy for Neath’s former Metal Box premises and rolling out new heating controls.
Residents might also face a £10 hike in bulky waste collection fees, higher planning and cemetery fees, and a shift to 100% recycled plastic for food waste bags. The proposed council tax increase would amount to an average of £1.15 more per week.
A council spokesperson highlighted the effort to address a £16.623m budget shortfall, which has been reduced to £2.802m, thanks to over 40 savings and proposals. On the bright side, there’s a record investment in schools and more funds allocated for services like road maintenance and social care.
Councillor Simon Knoyle emphasised that they’ve worked hard to keep the proposed tax rise at a historic low, urging everyone to participate in the upcoming consultation. He assured that the budget reflects a strong commitment to education and resident support.
Stay tuned for the big discussion on January 15, 2026. Share your thoughts and make your voice heard during the consultation period!