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Sean Morgan is the leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, and a Labour councillor representing the Nelson ward.

I would like to thank residents across Caerphilly County Borough who have taken the time to fill in our budget survey for 2025/26 or took part in one of the drop-in sessions to provide feedback. These consultations are important, as local opinion shapes the way we make decisions about the way our council services are delivered.

This year’s budget setting process demands we make significant savings, amounting to £37million over the next two years. These types of savings cannot be achieved without the involvement of the community, as we need to ensure that we deliver services that meet the ever-changing and complex needs of local people.

Your consultation feedback will form a key part of the council budget report on February 27, because we do look in detail at your views.

Here are just two examples of the “wants” and “needs” of residents, and consultation informing actions.

When we consulted on the mothballing of Llancaiach Fawr Manor, it was clear residents “wanted” this wonderful cultural hub to continue. It was a want, not a need. So while we continued with the mothballing, we considered ways in which the facility could reopen in the future, while not needing a £480,000 subsidy. It is now being marketed and I’m confident that the manor will reopen, fulfilling the wants of residents, without a huge council subsidy.

When we consulted on the Meals Direct service earlier in the year, we took onboard the “need” for the service and how it helped people remain independent in their own homes, and so the service has been saved. We are now looking at a way to deliver it in the best interest of those who need it, while reducing the overall subsidy.

So consultation is important and does inform decision makers.

We are now asking residents to have their say on two other major reviews which are currently open for feedback. We are seeking views on the future of the council’s library service and we are also consulting on proposals to close three leisure centres across the county borough.

These consultations are open until March 12 and I would urge everyone to engage with these very important proposals. There is information about both consultations on the CCBC website, as well as dates of the planned face-to-face engagement sessions over the coming weeks.

We need to make a number of difficult decisions to plug the huge gap in our budget, but we are doing this in a planned and measured way. Before looking at leisure centre closures, for instance, we’ve made significant investment in other community facilities such as new 3G pitches, an athletics hub in Oakdale, and an exciting new sports hall and leisure provision in Pontllanfraith, which is nearing completion.

So please continue to work with us, to help shape your services, as we navigate these difficult financial challenges in a nuanced manner that hopefully mitigates as much as possible, any negative impacts.

Thank you,

Cllr Sean Morgan