January 28, 2020 - 802 views
Conwy Council's cabinet discussed the provisional settlement and the recommendations of Scrutiny Committee in detail this afternoon, Tuesday 28th Januuary.
Speaking to Cabinet colleagues, Council Leader Cllr Sam Rowlands said: “I’ve been working with the other North Wales Leaders to lobby for a fairer distribution of funding for North Wales.”
“Whilst I don’t begrudge other areas receiving an increase in their funding, I don’t see why Conwy and North Wales shouldn’t get a settlement increase closer to the Welsh average of 4.3%. Our residents are facing the same issues as everyone else in Wales.”
“As it currently stands, Conwy will receive a 3.4% increase in funding from Welsh Government - the second worst settlement in Wales.
Conwy and North Wales is not receiving its fair share of funding; four of the lowest five in the settlement are from North Wales (Ynys Mon, Conwy, Flintshire, Wrexham).”
Cllr Rowlands said: “Despite this, we’re looking to continue prioritising our available funding. Our indicative budget shows schools receiving over £3.5m extra.”
Cabinet agreed with the recommendations made by Scrutiny Committee to support all revenue business cases; all budget reduction proposals; and a reduction in the budget target for schools.
Cabinet also agreed that an indicative council tax increase of 7% be used to prepare the draft budget, but resolved to continue to look at ways to reduce the increase.
Cllr Rowlands called on local people to get in touch with their Assembly Members, saying, “At the end of the day, the money we get from Welsh Government is the vast majority of our funding and has a direct consequence on all the services we need and use.”
Conwy’s final settlement is expected to be announced by Welsh Government in late February.
The Council will meet on 5th March to finalise and agree the budget for 2020/21.
