Press release from Monmouthshire Council:
Monmouthshire County Council has released its final budget proposals for 2025-26, which will be reviewed at the Cabinet meeting on the 5th of March.
These final plans incorporate public and stakeholder feedback received during the consultation period in January and February.
The Cabinet has considered feedback regarding the proposed changes to the opening hours at four community hubs and has decided not to proceed with those changes at this time.
The final budget prioritises essential neighbourhood services critical for maintaining the quality of life in our communities and preserving our environment for future generations. As part of this commitment, funding for Education will increase by 11.3%, while funding for Social Care and Health will rise by 10.6%.
Additionally, over £2million will be allocated for capital investment in crucial infrastructure, focusing on highway improvements. This builds upon the previous year’s investment of £1million in these essential areas.
63% of the budget will be funded by a grant from the Welsh Government, with the remaining funds raised through council tax. The council proposes an average council tax increase of 7.8% to support these services. Support will still be available for eligible residents regarding their council tax bills (www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/home/counciltaxandbenefits/).
As a council, we fully commit to consulting and listening to what matters most to residents and stakeholders. We thank everyone who took the time to engage with us through stakeholder engagement, digital sessions, and the consultation survey.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brockelsby, stated, “I want to thank all those who participated in our budget consultation and engagement exercise. We have listened to every piece of invaluable feedback provided. It is vital to my Cabinet that the needs of residents and stakeholders are central to our budget-setting process and that we deliver on what matters most to them.
“I am proud of the work done by Cabinet and officers to reach this point, and our focus now turns to improving the valued local services we have in Monmouthshire.”
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Ben Callard, added, “Despite the budget challenges we have faced, I am proud that we have managed to deliver an equitable budget that maintains the council on a stable financial footing now and in the future. Meeting with residents and stakeholders to discuss our budget proposals has been a privilege. Together, we have ensured that the budget focuses on what matters most to them.”
The final budget will be considered for approval by the full council on the 6th of March.
