Powys tax set to rise by 2.99%

Powys County Council is ready to increase council tax by 2.99%.

The Council’s Board today (Tuesday) recommended a revenue budget of just over £233m for the coming financial year along with for a capital programme of £55million.

Protecting frontline services and minimising the economic impact of council tax on Powys households is the main aim of the county council budget being recommended for approval.

The recommendations will be discussed by the full council on Wednesday March 2.

If approved Powys residents will face a council tax increase of 2.99 per cent with average Band D properties seeing a 51 pence per week rise from £889.17 to £915.76 per year. The figure does not include the precepts charged by Dyfed Powys Police and town and community councils.

Board member for Finance, Councillor Tony Thomas said: “This year’s budget proposals have been heavily influenced by the difficult economic environment faced by the county’s residents, businesses and the Council itself.

“For the first time ever the county council has faced a reduction in the level of revenue funding from the Welsh Assembly, down more than £2.3m on last year, but the settlement was better than the Welsh average, a reflection of the cost of providing services in a large rural county.

“We have set out budget proposals that protect the level of essential services, particularly within adult and children social services, while recognising the financial challenges being faced by many households in the county.

“As far as possible we have attempted to make savings through efficiencies rather than reducing services. Where reductions have been needed we have taken into account the many views we received during last year’s extensive budget consultation with residents.

“The council is honouring the protection provided by the Assembly to education and social services spend, but despite this protection the services will still see a reduction in their budgets.”

Councillor Thomas said despite a near £3m reduction in its capital funding from the Welsh Assembly the Council was still determined to maintain investment in the county’s vital infrastructure and was recommending increasing borrowing to fund projects.

“We are very aware that much of our capital investment is spent with businesses within Powys or its near neighbours.  Maintaining the capital programme has a significant regeneration impact on the economy of the whole county,” he added.