Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

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

It is vitally important that we hear the voice of our community, as we navigate our way through unprecedented financial challenges which require some very difficult decisions.

Over recent months the community has been consulted on key issues such as the future of the library service, our leisure centre provision, home to school transport proposals and the council’s 2025/26 budget, and I would like to thank all those who have taken the time to participate in our ongoing consultations.

I sometimes hear people say that these consultations are just ‘tick box exercises’, but I want to assure everyone that we always carefully consider all feedback received.

Indeed, this feedback has influenced a number of decisions over recent months. Feedback has demanded we revisit key proposals, including the future of our Meals on Wheels service, our home to school transport arrangements and a planned reduction in school crossing patrols, so it is clear that we do listen, and we are making changes to proposals due to your feedback.

A consultation is not a referendum, but it does help us understand the difference between the needs and wants of our community. Whilst some of these proposals may be unpopular, it is important to recognise when a difficult decision has turned out to be the right decision.

One recent example was the closure of the former Coffi Vista building in Caerphilly. The council-run coffee shop required a significant subsidy, which is clearly unsustainable in the current financial climate. We therefore decided to explore alternative ways to use the building to benefit residents and make the town more vibrant, whilst removing the need for taxpayers to subsidise the building. The site has now reopened as an exciting bar and restaurant called Rosita’s, which is proving to be hugely popular. This is a positive result for residents, the town and the public purse.

We are now exploring alternative ways to run Llancaiach Fawr and Blackwood Miners Institute, with the clear direction of reducing subsidies while making these venues even more vibrant.

In terms of the next steps for our library and leisure centre proposals, there now needs to be a period of time for councillors to consider the consultation feedback and scrutinise the proposals, before a final decision is made in May.

I will continue to keep the community fully informed about these important decisions and would urge everyone to continue to have your say.