Still time to have your say on budget

Powys County Council is urging the residents of Newtown to actively participate in their annual budget survey, shaping the future of local services.

The council, responsible for allocating over £545 million annually to a broad spectrum of services, is bracing for severe financial strains in the upcoming fiscal year and beyond.

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Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, emphasized the inevitability of change, stating, "The council of the past is no longer sustainable. We must adapt if we are to survive."

With the financial pressures projected to persist for the foreseeable future, the community's input is seen as crucial in redefining the direction of the council's budget.

"The bleak picture facing Powys is not unique to the county; local governments throughout Wales are grappling with similar pressures," added Cllr Thomas.

The Welsh Local Government Association, in response to the autumn statement, highlighted that local authorities in the country collectively faced a staggering £411 million shortfall in the coming financial year.

To address the financial gap, Powys County Council is compelled to explore measures such as reducing spending, increasing income, and potentially raising Council Tax. However, these measures alone may not suffice to bridge the considerable budget deficit.

In a bid to foster community involvement, the council is urging residents to contribute their perspectives through a short survey. Cllr Thomas stressed the importance of citizen input, stating, "Your views will help us determine what the council will look like."

The forthcoming budget, earmarked for the 2024-25 financial year, includes a reduction of over £20 million in costs.

The survey aims to gather insights on how best to achieve this while minimizing the impact on essential services.

The council acknowledges that the changes will result in a smaller organization but underscores the importance of prioritizing services to those who need support the most.

You can access the survey here: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/budget-survey-2023 

The survey is accessible until the 7th of January, providing a limited window for community members to contribute to the critical decision-making process.