Powys proposing 3.9% Council Tax hike

Powys County Council is set to ask residents for an extra 3.9% in council tax in the next financial year, it can be revealed.

In their draft budget, published last night ahead of a crucial meeting, councillors will be asked to approve the rise despite receiving a bumper £18.3 million in extra funding from the Welsh Government.

Th rise would give the regional authority an extra £3.45 million this year, taking the overall budget to £302.3 million.

“In proposing this increase, consideration has been given to the impact of the pandemic and affordability for Powys residents, together with the ongoing need to meet increasing demand and inescapable cost pressures on vital local services,” the proposal reads.

The Welsh Government will hand over £210.3m to Powys this year, with council tax making up the bulk of the remaining £92m in the budget.

“The setting of council tax is not subject to approval as part of this report, as this is a matter for full council determination. However, the report recommends the level of Council Tax to be included in the budget that goes to full Council on February 24. On March 3 full Council meets to set the Council Tax in line with the final budget,” the report points out. 

To read the full budget report, visit https://powys.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s67133/Budget%20Report%20for%20Cabinet%20January%202022%20final.pdf