A Welsh council has announced plans for widespread cost-saving measures in its next budget including proposals for monthly bin collections and closure of all play areas with equipment. Under the plans, residents in Blaenau Gwent will see black bin bag collections move to a four-weekly occurrence, while 60 static children's play areas, 12 multi-use game areas (football courts for example) and 10 wheeled sports facilities (such as skate parks) could also close.
It comes as Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council faces a £6.7m funding gap from the 2023/24 budget. The authority is asking residents where it should prioritise its spending. In December 2022, the Welsh Government announced its provisional local government settlement. It showed that Blaenau Gwent's 6.5% increase was the smallest in Wales and below the average of 7.9%. However, it will see the council's funding raise from this year's £131.57m raise to £139.597m next year.
In the online questionnaire, the council said it is facing a range of financial pressures which has resulted in a significant funding gap. In an effort to save money, the council has put together a proposal of ideas to address the shortfall, which is likely to change services and see an increase in council tax. The council has divided its proposals into three categories: commercial activity and business development, service change for efficiency, future business and service opportunities.
