Controversial plans to seek an alternative operator for St David's Hall and increase council tax by 3.95% in Cardiff have been approved. Cardiff Council met at City Hall on Thursday March 9 to discuss and vote on the authority's budget proposals for 2023/24.
Some of the other budget proposals that were voted through by the council include an increase in the cost of school meals by 5% and plans to close recycling centres once a week. It is hoped that the council's measures will help it to bridge a £24 million budget gap, which has come about as a result of spiralling inflation, increased demand on services and lower than expected income levels.
An idea to move the Museum of Cardiff from its current home at the Old Library on the Hayes and turn it into a mobile attraction was taken out of the council's final budget proposals, as were plans to change library opening times. Amendments to the budget were put forward by the main opposition groups at the council, with the Conservatives calling for a council tax freeze and the Liberal Democrats putting forward a proposal to shelve plans for the new arena which is planned for Cardiff Bay.
