DESPITE making significant cuts, it could be another tough year for Vale residents as the council continues to struggle to breach huge funding gaps.

At the end of September, trade union UNISON released a report which showed huge shortfalls in council finances across Wales.

In total, all 22 local authorities in the country had a collective funding gap of £352m.

Caerphilly Council came top of the list, with a shortfall of £37m, while Vale of Glamorgan Council has a funding gap of over £6m.

What is the Vale Council doing to address the situation?

In July, Vale Council provided an update on its financial strategy.

The budget for this financial year was agreed in March, with the authority looking to bridge a £9.7m funding shortfall.

This was largely brought about by rising energy prices, inflation and interest rates, while provision for an ageing population and growing number of school pupils with additional learning needs also increased costs.

The council said savings of £7.4m and the careful use of reserves would help address the funding gap in 2023/24, but the factors behind it continue to affect longer-term financial planning.

A report recently presented to the council’s Cabinet indicates that the funding gap for the next financial year is forecast to be £6.43m.

The authority is facing cost pressures of £17.02m, with only £10.59m anticipated from Welsh Government, council tax and reserve funds.

Savings proposals across all areas of council responsibility will be considered in October and November, all of which will be the subject of public participation before any decisions are made.

‘What remains an absolute priority is maintaining services for our most vulnerable’ Vale Council leader Lis Burnett

Vale leader councillor Lis Burnett, said the council will endeavour to protect services.

“We remain in an extremely difficult financial position,” said Cllr Burnett in the July update.

“That means we must make tough decisions as we look to best allocate the funding available.

“What remains an absolute priority is maintaining the services relied upon by our most vulnerable residents.

“We will make sure our children, elderly and those with additional needs are properly looked after and residents will form an important part of the decision-making process.

“Despite these challenging circumstances, we have not lost our ambition and will continue to explore new and innovative ways to invest in our communities.

“Our Future Transformation Program maintains ongoing work to reshape the way in which services are delivered, ensuring they operate as efficiently as possible, while also investigating creative ways to best serve our residents.”