Residents’ views sought on council’s budget proposals

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Residents will have the chance to voice their views on the council’s budget proposals for the upcoming year.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet agreed the draft budget plans this week, with a public consultation period now underway.

The period runs for three weeks from Tuesday January 13.

Senior councillors say the new budget proposals will protect key services and clean up the county borough – while also including a council tax rise.

Opposition councillors have criticised plans to increase council tax rates by a proposed 6.25%, adding £97 to the annual bill for residents in average Band D properties.

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, the council leader, said the authority had “learned” from previous years and avoided proposing controversial cuts to public services.

But he urged residents to remember the range of services the council provides “has got to be paid for”.

A series of feedback sessions have been planned for residents to have their say.

List of feedback sessions

• Ystrad Mynach Library: Monday January 19, 10am to 2pm;
• Bargoed Library: Tuesday January 20, 4pm to 6pm;
• Risca Library: Wednesday January 21, 4pm to 6pm;
• Newbridge Library: Thursday January 22, 10am to 12pm;
• Online: Friday January 23, 10am to 12pm;
• Caerphilly Library: Saturday January 24, 10.30am to 12.30pm;
• Nelson Library: Monday January 26, 2pm to 4pm;
• Blackwood Library: Tuesday January 27, 10am to 2pm;
• Online: Wednesday January 28, 6pm to 7.30pm;
• Rhymney Library: Thursday January 29, 11am to 1pm.