🔍 Big News for Welsh Councils! 🏛️
The Welsh Government has unveiled its funding plans for councils for the upcoming financial year, and there’s some good news. Councils across Wales will see an average funding boost of 2.7%. No council will receive less than a 2.3% increase compared to last year’s allocations.
A total of £6.4 billion is set to be divvied up, with each of Wales’ 22 councils claiming their share. Newport leads the pack with the biggest increase of 4.3%, driven by a growing general and school-age population. 📈
This announcement forms part of the draft budget revealed on 24th November, but it’s not a done deal just yet. The final figures will only be cemented in the official budget, expected in January, as discussions continue in the Senedd. 🗓️
Despite the cash injection, council insiders warn that a 2% increase won’t be a cure-all. Councils might still face difficult choices, with potential job cuts and council tax hikes of up to 20% not off the table. ⚖️
Stay tuned for more updates and keep an eye on how your local council might be affected! 📢