Vale of Glamorgan Council will increase spending in schools and social services after its budget for 2024/25 was agreed upon on March 6.

The financial plans include a 13 per cent rise in funding across adult and child services, and a five per cent increase for education. The budget has been created despite the 'real terms' cut in funding partly caused by rising energy prices, inflation and interest rates.

The aim is to meet the growing demand for crucial council services due to an ageing population and a surge in the number of children with additional learning needs (ALNs).

Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cllr Lis Burnett said: "I have tried to be very clear with residents from the outset that the council faced an unprecedented financial challenge to balance this budget."

She revealed that the costs are escalating at a much faster pace than funding, making it impossible to maintain services at current levels.

Cllr Burnett went on to appreciate the hard work of the officers and council in reaching this point.

She further outlined a firm commitment to protecting the most vulnerable residents, stating: "I’m delighted that, after overcoming many obstacles, that promise has been kept, with funding increases for both Education and Social Care.

"This will help ensure our youngest and oldest residents, as well as those with additional needs, get the support they require."

Despite the tough decisions, Cllr Burnett sees an opportunity to devise new and innovative strategies to deliver services and better serve the residents.

The Council is set to receive just under £210 million from the Welsh Government for the next financial year, which accounts for half its income, the rest being made up of council tax, charges for services, and a share of business rates from across Wales.

However, after allocating contributions to social services and education, only a quarter of this amount will be available for other provisions.

As part of the financial planning, the council has responded to severe financial pressures, amounting to £38 million.

It requires savings of £7.7 million to match expenditure with income which includes public consultation, engagement with stakeholders and trade unions.

Among the steps agreed to meet the savings target include charges for certain services, a council tax rise of 6.7 per cent, reduced expenditure in specific areas, and creative ways to generate income.

Notably, the council tax increase is lower than that introduced by many other Welsh local authorities.