Budget consultation reaches halfway point

Residents are being reminded to have their say and help shape Bridgend County Borough Council’s spending priorities for the coming year as the annual budget consultation reaches its halfway point.

Unlike in previous years when the budget consultation was focused on specific service provisions, this year’s is focused on the longer-term vision for the county borough following the Covid-19 pandemic. The consultation was launched in October and runs until December 13.

It’s important that residents take the time to respond to the budget consultation and help the council shape its funding priorities for the future.

Services have had to be delivered very differently this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a focus on protecting our most vulnerable residents and keeping essential services functioning. While income has been lost from areas like car parks, planning applications and trade waste services, emergency funding has been used to care for older and vulnerable people. The cost of responding to the pandemic in the first six months of the financial year is estimated to be more than £10m.

The long-term financial impact of coronavirus is uncertain but we are required by law to set a balanced budget and council tax levels. We are asking Bridgend residents to help us make the county borough ‘Fit for the Future’.

Deputy council leader and cabinet member for resources Councillor Hywel Williams

The survey, which you can fill in online, includes the response to coronavirus, as well as health and wellbeing, business and the local economy, council tax levels and customer access to civic offices. Feedback from residents will be used to inform the medium-term financial strategy for 2021/22 – 2024/25.

For a hard copy of the survey, email consultation@bridgend.gov.uk, call 01656 643664 or write to Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4WB. An easy read, large print and a youth version of the survey are all available.