Welsh Government’s draft spending plans look ‘very positive’ for Flintshire says Council Leader

Flintshire Council leader Ian Roberts has said draft spending plans published by the Welsh Government loo ‘very positive’ for Flintshire. 

The Welsh Government budget promises more money for the NHS and a ‘greener, more equal and more prosperous Wales.’

Following the UK Government’s spending review in September, the Welsh block grant has been increased by £600 million versus year.

As part of the local government settlement, the 22 local authorities in Wales will receive nearly £4.5bn in core revenue funding and non-domestic rates to spend on delivering key services – an increase of £184m from 2019-20.

Flintshire Council, which describes itself as being a low funded council will receive £199m up £7m on the current financial year, the third lowest increase in Wales.

The Welsh Government said, “No authority will receive increased funding lower than 3 per cent, with the highest increase at 5.4 per cent.”

The settlement recognises the increasing costs councils are facing in schools as a result of technical pension changes imposed by the UK Government and the Welsh Government’s decision to boost teachers’ pay. It also contributes to meeting rising costs of providing social care to people of all ages.”

Residents in the county have already experienced rises of 6.7 and 8.75 per cent in the last two years.

Flintshire Council’s 3.7% increase doesn’t look like it will be enough to bridge the budget gap of around £16m, its unknown as yet what impact that could have on council tax next year. 

[Table shows how much Flintshire has received in terms of an % increase versus the other 21 local authorities in Wales] 

The council’s ruling Labour administration is currently aiming to cap any tax increase at five per cent

Residents in the county have already experienced rises of 6.7 and 8.75 per cent in the last two years.

Council Leader Ian Roberts said it was the best settlement figure in over 12 years.

 “At first glance the settlement looks very positive and it would appear that Welsh government have listened to the strong case that Flintshire County Council have made through the Welsh Local Government Association.  

I thank Welsh Government for the best settlement since 2007 – 2008.” Cllr Roberts said.

Officers are still working through the detail of the settlement which will be discussed in full at a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet this afternoon.