Carmarthenshire’s funding settlement decreased

THE level of funding Carmarthenshire will receive from the Welsh Government has decreased by 3.9 per cent, according to papers issued today.

The announcement, by Local Government Minister Lesley Griffiths, gives the county one of its most challenging budgets to date.

Next week, all members of the council will be invited to discuss around 60 proposals for efficiency savings to bridge the funding gap Carmarthenshire faces, before a large-scale public consultation is launched.

Council Leader, Cllr Kevin Madge, has already warned people to brace themselves for change, and has acknowledged that members will be faced with making tough and unpopular decisions over the coming months.

Now, he is calling on all 74 members of council as well as community and voluntary groups, to work together to ensure as many services, and jobs, can be protected.

“This is one of the toughest settlements we’ve ever had,” he said.

“We’ve already tightened our belts and made significant efficiency savings in the last few years, which is why it’s going to be hard to cut back further.

“However, by working together with our communities, we will stand a better chance of protecting front-line services and jobs.

“I also call on every member of council to work together, similar to how they’ve worked together in Welsh Government where they’ve put their political differences aside to move forward and set a budget.”