Swansea residents are bracing for a 3.9% bump in council tax this year as the city council fine-tunes its latest budget plans. If you’re in a Band D household, expect to pay around £1,807.38 in the coming financial year, and that’s before adding the South Wales Police and community council precepts.
Council leader Rob Stewart is optimistic, noting a robust track record in managing budgets effectively, allowing more funding for vital services like schools and social care. Thanks to the Welsh Government’s backing, school and social services budgets are set to increase by 5.7% and 5.5% respectively.
The council’s total net revenue budget for 2026-27 is pegged at £677.5 million, with central Government funds, business rates, and council tax making up the bulk of it. Despite financial pressures like transportation and social care, the council is working on nearly £13 million in savings, aiming to keep the council tax hike among the lowest in Wales.
After a public consultation with over 500 responses, it seems some proposed cuts might be avoided, including additional charges for garden waste bags and cuts to bridleways and footpaths budgets. Many residents voiced their desire for investments in road repairs, elderly and disability care, and school improvements.
Moreover, an extra £10 million might be allocated next year towards boosting economic growth, focusing on the community’s priorities such as road maintenance, street cleaning, and local events.
Stay tuned as the full council meets on March 5 to decide the final budget and council tax rates. Your thoughts and concerns about rises in burial fees or similar costs can be discussed at upcoming scrutiny meetings. It’s a juggling act of managing costs while ensuring essential services get their deserved funding. Let’s hope 2026 brings about the changes Swansea needs!