Flintshire County Council’s budget was passed in February after a heated debate. Independent and Conservative councillors tried to cut schools’ budgets by a further £300,000, which would have resulted in support for children with additional learning needs being withdrawn. Despite warnings, the Independents and Conservatives both voted for the proposals which would have seen bills go up 4p a week less, in return for cutting schools and taking money from the council’s pension fund.
We’re grateful one independent county councillor from Buckley showing reason by not voting for the alternative budget.
If we had allowed the increase to follow inflation then a band D property should increase by near double £146.39.
Band D Increases in Surrounding Councils
£ 71.75 Flintshire
£ 74.39 Denbighshire
£ 75.59 Gwynedd (Plaid ran)
£ 85.28 Chester West & Chester
£104.48 Wrexham (Independent ran)
BUDGET 2023/24
Budget for 23/24 is a struggle, we’ve so far found around £16 million in savings but there is still around a £14 million still needed to balance the books. The struggles are very clear for all UK councils, since austerity, seven have even gone bankrupt while a further 6 are in serious financial trouble.
We are now awaiting the WG settlement figures which should be released in December.
