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Councillors in Newport have raised concerns about cost-cutting proposals for the city’s community centres and libraries.
Residents have less than a week left to have their say on Newport City Council’s draft budget proposals for 2025/26.
Among the measures to save money are a proposed council tax increase of 6.7%, closing libraries in Caerleon and Tredegar House, and transferring several community centres to residents’ groups.
The council said it has to “meet budget challenges” and plug a £4.3 million shortfall, despite expecting to receive the largest percentage increase in core funding of any Welsh council for the coming financial year.
It argues it will still invest millions of pounds in key services such as housing, education and children’s care.
“While we do still have to make some tough decisions to ensure we deliver a balanced budget, I’m pleased that we have identified areas where we can invest in our essential services, and our people, to ensure they continue to deliver on residents’ priorities,” said Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, the leader of the council.
Cross-party committees of councillors have met to discuss the council’s budget proposals and air any concerns.
Members of the scrutiny committee for people services recommended the council reconsider a proposal to reduce short-term bed spaces at some of its residential care homes, and instead increase the supply.
They also argued for reduced charges, or other short-term financial support, for the city’s community centres – several of which may be removed from the council estate via Community Asset Transfers to interested local groups.
The scrutiny committee for place and corporate services raised concerns about the proposed closure of Caerleon Community Centre, including its library, which it said served the older population.
Members said that instead of looking to get rid of community centres, the council should promote them and encourage more people to use them.
They also said the council should delay a decision on closing down two libraries to allow for more consultation and to explore alternatives.
The committee also said a proposal to axe the printed version of the council’s Newport Matters newsletter should be abandoned for now, so readers could have more input on plans for its future.
Meanwhile, the council’s move to online services was also questioned by the committee, which said people should be told “explicitly” they can still access hard copies of forms.
The committee recommended a “comprehensive” list of places where residents can obtain paper forms should be created and publicised.
A public consultation on the council’s budget proposals runs until Wednesday February 5.
Visit Newport City Council’s website to have your say.
The council will also host drop-in sessions, where residents can ask questions about the proposals and share comments.
These sessions take place at Tredegar House Library, Friday January 31, 11am, and at Caerleon Town Hall, Monday February 3, 7.30pm.
The committees’ recommendations, along with the results of the public consultation, will be presented to cabinet members in February before the final budget recommendations for 2025/26 are drawn up.
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