Ever wondered how much it costs to keep a community ticking over? In Merthyr Tydfil, one council spends over £170m annually on essential services, shaping and supporting the lives of everyone in the area. From the buzz of schools and social care to the crucial work done on road maintenance and waste management, local authorities juggle a lot to keep the town thriving.
Here’s a sneak peek into how that hefty budget gets distributed. It blends funding from Welsh Government, business rates, and council tax, all to ensure smooth operations across the board. Education is a big focus, with 19 primary schools, a special school, and more catering to nearly 9,000 pupils. The council also backs early years with 23 settings for the tiniest of tots.
Social care? They’ve got it covered. Over 600 children benefit from direct care plans and there are nearly 6,000 social houses available. Impressive strides have been made with homelessness prevention, steering over 3,000 households away from emergency services.
Trash talk isn’t just reserved for sports — the council is serious about waste management too. They collect a whopping amount of waste yearly, hitting targets for recycling and keeping the streets (and countryside) clean and green.
Merthyr also knows a thing or two about going above and beyond for leisure and community spirit. With over 220,000 visits to leisure centres and bustling library moments, the council ensures that the borough isn’t all work and no play.
Aside from fun and games, the council handles the nitty-gritty aspects of life, like managing cemeteries and processing registrations for births and deaths. A robust youth forum ensures young voices are heard loud and clear, and employability support helps residents forge their futures.
The council’s dedicated teams operate behind the scenes to ensure everything from food safety inspections to marriage ceremonies run like clockwork. It’s a monumental task, but one that’s essential for the well-being and prosperity of Merthyr Tydfil. Ever thought about what goes into making a community thrive? Now you know! 🌟 Join the conversation below and let us know what you think about the services in your area! #CommunityCare #LocalHeroes #MerthyrTydfil