Welshpool council spent half-a-million on Welsh suppliers last year

Welshpool Town Council has shown it is trying to ensure every pound of expenditure is kept in the local or Welsh economy after publishing its annual report for the past 12 months.

The local authority has made it a mission to be transparent with its residents and has opened its books to demonstrate how its near £1million budget is spent.

Prepared in accordance with the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, the report looks back on a year that combined major strategic decisions with the continued delivery of local services, community events and investment in Welshpool’s future.

Among the highlights featured in the report are the establishment of the Town Hall Transformation Project Board, the creation of the Visit Welshpool tourism brand, preparations for the Tour de France 2027, the transfer of the Meals on Wheels service to Welshpool Community Haven, improvements to parks and play areas, and the Council's ongoing support for initiatives including the Community Hub, Flicks in the Sticks, local markets and community events.

The report also demonstrates the Council’s commitment to openness and accountability, with information on councillor attendance, training, allowances, declarations of interest and financial performance, together with details of how the Council has contributed to the Powys Well-being Plan and its wider statutory duties.

During the year, the Council:

• Held 48 public meetings, considering 1,215 agenda items
• Managed assets valued at more than £18.6 million
• Increased its reserves through careful financial management
• Spent £490,861.90 with suppliers based in Welshpool, Powys or elsewhere in Wales, helping to support the local and Welsh economy.

The report also reflects on the Council’s day-to-day work managing Welshpool Town Hall, the Welshpool Information Centre, indoor and outdoor markets, public toilets, parks and open spaces, alongside organising and supporting community events that bring residents together throughout the year.

Town Clerk Richard Williams said: “The Annual Report is much more than a statutory requirement. It is an opportunity to show residents the breadth of work undertaken by their Town Council and the positive impact local government can have on everyday life.

“Alongside delivering essential services, the past year has seen significant progress on several major projects that will help shape Welshpool’s future, while continuing to support community initiatives, events and facilities that people value.

“We’re proud of what has been achieved during 2025–2026 and remain committed to being an open, transparent and ambitious council that works in partnership with our community.”

The Annual Report has been approved by Full Council and is available to read on the Council’s website.