🚨 Heads Up, Rhondda Cynon Taf! 🚨
Get ready for a shake-up on your council tax bill. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has announced a 4% increase in council tax as part of its budget plans for the next year. Before you start questioning where your money is going, here’s a quick breakdown:
1. **School Boost**: Good news for schools! The budget proposes to fully fund pay and inflation costs, with £10.4m more being allocated. This means an increase in funding by 4.8% for schools, much needed for additional learning needs and special education provisions.
2. **Efficiencies Found**: The council has identified £6.33m in efficiencies, including cost reduction and service restructuring, to keep it all running smoothly without impacting essential services.
3. **Business Rates Relief**: Small businesses, you’re in luck! An increase in business rates relief is on the table, with plans to bump it up from £625 to £750 by 2027-28.
4. **Where’s the Gap?**: With additional resources from the final settlement and smart moves in budgeting, the council’s budget gap has shrunk from £22.49m to just £911,000. This shortfall will be covered using transition funds.
5. **Social Services & More**: The base budget updates include nearly £2m for social services and other essential updates across multiple sectors.
6. **What’s Next?**: The aim is to make these proposed changes without impacting frontline services. Your feedback is crucial, and the council wants to hear from you!
So, what’s your take? Is your council tax hitting the mark or missing it? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 💬⬇️
#RhonddaCynonTaf #CouncilTaxIncrease #CommunityFunding #EducationBoost #LocalBusinessSupport 🏫💼
✨ Remember, your voice counts! Keep the conversation going! 🎉