Have your say on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s 2018/19 budget
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s residents will be able to have their say on the Council’s 2018/19 budget in an extensive consultation beginning on November 6.
The consultation will include several elements which have proven successful in the past – including an online simulator where residents can ‘set their own’ budget. Town centre engagement events will also return so residents can have their say about the 2018/19 budget, investment priorities and the approach being taken by the Council to maintain and improve services, in person.
The Council will use its social media accounts – Rhondda Cynon Taf Council on Facebook and @RCTCouncil on Twitter – to keep residents informed about upcoming events within the consultation, and how they can take part.
At the heart of the consultation will be residents’ views on how the Council should tackle financial challenges ahead. The Provisional Local Government Settlement, announced by the Welsh Government in October, indicated a -0.2% decrease in funding for Rhondda Cynon Taf for the next financial year.
The consultation will take place on Monday, November 6, ending six weeks later on Monday, December 18.
Councillor Maureen Webber, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “Rhondda Cynon Taf received a reasonable provisional settlement considering the challenging financial circumstances faced. The Welsh Government has done its best to provide a settlement which allows the Council to mitigate the impact of national austerity on Council services.
“However, a reduction in funding means the Council will once again need to consider how to fill a budget gap for 2018/19, again focusing on efficiency savings within a proactive approach on how to reduce the Council’s spending.
“Through the proactive approach we have continued to take in managing our finances, and the better than expected settlement from Welsh Government, we have already seen the initial anticipated budget gap for 2018/19 of over £18m reduced to £3.8m.
“The consultation responses we receive provide valuable feedback, which is then considered by Cabinet when setting the budget. I would urge residents to take part in the consultation exercise to ensure their voices are heard on the issues that are important to them.
“In past years our budget consultation has proven a success, which is why the interactive budget simulator and town centre roadshows will continue this year as residents are encouraged to have their say on the 2018/19 budget.”
To ‘set your budget’ via the online interactive simulator, please use the following link from November 6 – https://rctcouncil.budgetsimulator.com/.
