Passing Comment – Cost of living pressures lead to tough choices
By Sue Vincent Jones
SO, what did we all think when the council tax bill dropped dismally on the mat then – money well-spent or a right old rip off?
To be fair, the 4.9% rise was hardly a serious shocker though, as it’s been discussed to death since the start of the New Year.
And we all knew it wasn’t going to decrease dramatically or stay the same.
Mind you, that still leaves us losing less than average, or paying similar to what other local authorities levy in Wales. So, we continue to pay less than our neighbours. Although you could argue that perhaps they get more bang for their buck. I don’t know, answers on a postcard please.
Truth be told, I’m no cheer leader for the current council but I grudgingly admit that we did have a snazzy little survey to fill in if we wanted to make our feelings known about their budget.
And they were upfront about the higher-than-predicted settlement from Welsh Government somewhat easing the financial pressure.
But, and there’s always a but, even with that additional funding and the potential council tax rise, the authority is still facing a budgetary shortfall of around £9 million, with the cost-of-living crisis a key reason for that apparently. They are hoping to bridge this with ‘savings and careful use of reserves.’
I totally get that we need to protect essential services, especially for the vulnerable, but we haven’t half taken a cut to our community calendar.
The long list – social care, schools – and the free meals – parks, play areas, housing, active travel, and climate change must be protected, and quite rightly so.
But what about the community events, and the cohesion that goes with it?
So, whilst I see where the council are coming from, and I also welcome that 100% council tax premium for long-term empty properties, and second homes, I do feel our social scene is missing out.
I feel like there’s less going on than before – or is it just me?
Surely, we can’t still be blaming Covid-19 for the canning of copious amounts of events?
What’s happened to all those bouncing Barry Island activities that used to snap up the summer months? No longer is there a packed programme of daytime delights, an Island of Fire, or a ‘Grease on the Beach.
And I’ve even heard a reliable rumour that lack of council cash could see the cool Cadstock canned this year.
- The views expressed by columnists of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Glamorgan Star, its employees or its proprietors
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