NEATH Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet has authorised a four week public consultation on the draft budget and corporate plan for 2022/23.

The consultation began on January 5.

Council Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Carol Clement-Williams said: “The 8.8% increase in funding for council services and the financial support for the ongoing pandemic response being provided by the Welsh Government, together with our track record of prudent financial management will enable the council to adopt a different approach after years of UK Government austerity.

"Our priorities include a freeze on Council Tax in recognition of the cost of living pressures being experienced by many households; investing in the recovery of our communities and our local economy; and helping to deliver on the climate and nature emergencies."

Council Leader Ted Latham added: “The ongoing pandemic has hit many parts of our communities hard. Over the summer we heard from many residents, businesses and partners through our Let’s Talk campaign. People were clear about the things we should focus upon next year and what will be important in the years ahead. Our corporate plan reflects that feedback.

“We propose to increase youth and outdoor leisure services to boost the wellbeing of young people as well as providing new funding for schools to support children with additional learning needs. We propose to strengthen support for vulnerable people, including those who have become lonely and isolated due to the pandemic and also increase the number of neighbourhood teams as part of a drive to catch up, clean up and green up towns and villages.

“There is planned investment too to extend digital services, improve the support we can offer to inward investors and local businesses as well giving our environment, heritage and culture greater focus.

“Final decisions will be taken on the budget strategy and corporate plan on February 28, 2022.”

Details on how to give feedback can be found here: www.npt.gov.uk/letstalk