Lower rise in council tax proposed

Improved social care budget performance and lower financial costs will allow a smaller than anticipated council tax increase to be considered by Powys County Council, we have been told

The council’s cabinet had recommended an increase of 4.5% when it met earlier this month but reductions in adult social care spending and other costs will allow a 3.9% increase to be considered by the full council tomorrow (Thursday).

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Wynne Jones said: “The original recommendation was designed to provide the county council with a degree of protection against spending pressures faced by adult social care and others.

“As most people are aware adult social care across the country is facing significant financial pressures as a consequence of increasing demand. We had been cautious in our financial planning and recommended a 4.5% increase for the coming year.

“However, latest analysis show that budget performance of adult social care is improving and the council will also face a lower than anticipated levy from the fire service. The changes along with re-profiling payments associated with the wind farm planning enquiry mean that a lower council tax increase can be considered.

A 3.9% increase would see the cost of an average Band D property rise from £1,090.06 to £1,132.57 – a rise of 82p per week. The figure does not include the precepts charged by Dyfed Powys Police and town and community councils.