Why we consulted
Following the Welsh Government’s below-inflation funding settlement of 3.3%, announced on December 20, Carmarthenshire County Council needs to bridge a shortfall of over £22million in its 2024/25 budget.
Welsh Government acknowledge that they faced the “most stark and painful budget choices for Wales in the devolution era” as they prepared their draft budget, which includes the all-important Revenue Support Grant (RSG) allocated to local authorities. The 3.3% rise in the RSG, which makes up around three-quarters of our funding, falls well short of the contribution needed by the Council to maintain services as they are presently. Most of the remaining income, amounting to about a quarter of the total annual revenue budget, comes from the Council Tax, which raises over £100million a year.
A total of 11 budget proposals were presented for consideration. These were considered alongside more than 100 detailed managerial proposals, such as procurement arrangements, staffing structures and internal and back-office functions.
How we consulted
Residents, businesses, community and voluntary organisations had their say on a range of new policy saving proposals, that were drawn from across all services of the Council.