The Vale of Glamorgan mayor will move out of Barry Town Hall in a money-saving bid by the council.

The mayor’s office will be moved out of the Town Hall in King Square into the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s civic offices in Holton Road as part of plans by the authority to save £85,000 a year.

The council, which has to save £6.2million from its budgets this year, will also look to lease out parts of the Town Hall – but it will not be used as housing.

Cuts to the mayor’s annual budget, from £30,500 to £20,000, was also agreed by Vale of Glamorgan Council’s cabinet today, Monday (April 30).

Plans due to be considered by the Council’s cabinet would see changes that would reduce the cost associated with the role and functions of the Mayor.

Cllr Ian Johnson had written to the cabinet asking that the use of the Town Hall be limited to non-housing related purposes.

In his letter, he said: “I recognise the need for social or affordable housing and the drivers of such need, which include the continued implementation of the ‘bedroom tax,’ sometimes known as the ‘spare room subsidy,’ and austerity policies.

“However, I am concerned that declaring Vale of Glamorgan Council mayoral office space at the Town Hall surplus to requirements without conditions may lead to unintended consequences that would not be beneficial to Barry Town Centre.”

Councillor John Thomas, leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council, told Monday’s meeting: “I do concur with councillor Johnson.

“There was never any intention for the Town Hall to be used for housing purposes.”

A mayor will still be elected each year, as well as a deputy mayor. The Mayor will continue to chair full council meetings and represent the council at important civic and ceremonial functions.

A new Mayor’s Fund has also been set up to make up to £5,000 available to good causes.

But the mayor will no longer be able to arrange and host functions.

Councillor Leighton Rowlands, Vale of Glamorgan Council’s mayor elect for 2018/19, said: “As Mayor elect I have been working with the Leader to develop a scheme that will see the mayor’s office used to raise awareness of local charities and community groups.

“This new Mayor’s Fund will follow the principle established by the Council’s Strong Communities Grant fund and will allow local organisations within the Vale of Glamorgan the opportunity to apply to receive small donations throughout the year.”

Mr Thomas added: “The role of the Mayor needs to evolve in line with the role of the council as a whole, and in the context of the financial climate within which we now operate.

“The Mayor will continue to operate as the Vale’s civic figurehead, represent the authority at important events, and do valuable work to raise the profile of local community and voluntary groups. However, there is little justification for continuing to organise and host functions and associated hospitality.

“A new approach, fit for a modern democratic organisation and one which saves money year on year is in everyone’s interests and we are delighted to be leading the way in Wales.  At a time of budget challenges and pressures on front facing services, this is absolutely the right thing to do.”