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

Senior councillors have backed a proposal to allocate more money to council reserves.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet has supported the draft budget for 2022/23, which proposes to increase the Covid-19 Earmarked Reserve to £5 million. The fund is money put aside to cover additional costs the council might incur because of the pandemic.

Plaid Cymru has criticised this proposal for “hoarding” reserves.

The draft budget, which now has to go to full council for final approval, also includes a council tax rise of 2.5% the equivalent to an extra 59p a week for an average band D property.

Additionally investment of £10m in services, including £6m for the social care sector, £250,000 towards apprenticeship schemes and £235,000 to target flood prevention is proposed.

The remainder of the money will be spent on public protection services, weed control measures and community safety wardens.

In a cabinet meeting, held on Wednesday, January 19, council leader Philippa Marsden said: “We absolutely recognise that the past couple of years have been difficult for everyone.”

Cllr Marsden, who represents Ynysddu, added that this was an opportunity for the council to support the community.

Plaid Cymru and the Independent Group have both criticised the rise in council tax.

Cllr Eluned Stenner, Cabinet Member for Performance, Economy and Enterprise, urged the public to take part in the public consultation.

A public consultation on the budget is now live. Comments can be made via the council’s online survey.

Paper copies of the survey can be picked up and returned at local libraries.

If you need help completing the survey or want to request alternative formats, email Publicengagement@caerphilly.gov.uk or call 01443 864404.