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Two weeks remain for residents to have their say on Caerphilly County Borough Council’s budget proposals for the coming year.

The local authority has proposed a 7.9% council tax increase, axing its Community Safety Wardens, cutting nine school crossing patrols and introducing fees for treating rat problems among its draft plans for 2025/26.

It argues it must make “difficult decisions” if it is to protect essential services and plug a funding gap of around £47 million by March 2028.

The proposals are currently out for public consultation, and residents can have their say until Wednesday February 12.

Several public consultation drop-in events will be held over the coming days across the county borough, where residents can discuss the draft proposals with a member of the council’s engagement team.

Cllr Sean Morgan, who leads the council, said it has to “explore ways to achieve savings to plug an unprecedented gap in our budget”.

He added: “A number of key savings proposals have already been progressed in 2024 and I want to encourage the community to continue to have their say and help shape further decision-making over the coming months.

“Whilst these budget pressures are significant, we are in a strong position to face the challenges ahead due to our sound financial management over recent years.”

Opposition councillors have criticised some of the council’s draft proposals, however.

“We would certainly encourage the public to have their say on the council’s widespread cuts budget,” said Cllr Lindsay Whittle, who leads the council’s Plaid Cymru group.

“But what is also important is that the council actually listens to what residents have to say and acts accordingly.

“Unfortunately, the Labour council has a record of ignoring what the public say – as happened only recently with the mothballing of Llancaiach Fawr.”

The living history museum at Llancaiach Fawr is currently closed under a “mothballing” plan, while the council says “options are explored to run the venue in a different way in future”.

Cllr Nigel Dix, leader of the council’s independent group, said previously the proposed 7.9% council tax increase “will severely impact many who are already struggling”.

Axing safety wardens “will make our communities less safe, and our school crossing patrols play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our children”, he added.

Public consultation drop-in sessions will be held at the following locations:

• Rhymney Library Hub, Victoria Road, Rhymney, Thursday January 30, 3pm to 5pm.
• Siloh, Oakfield Street, Ystrad Mynach, Monday February 3, 4pm to 6pm.
• The Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly, Wednesday February 5, 11am to 1pm.
• Nelson Community Centre, Bryncelyn, Nelson, Thursday February 6, 10am to midday.
• Libanus Lifestyle, Libanus Road, Blackwood, Monday February 10, 10am to midday.
• Newbridge Tabernacle, High Street, Newbridge, Wednesday February 12, 4pm to 6pm.

Visit the council’s website to take part in the public consultation online.