Council tax rise and savings set out
The council says the increase works out at around £1.01 a week for a Band B home. Of the 3.9%, around 0.5% would go to the Mid and West Wales Fire Service, meaning the council’s own share is closer to 3.4%.
To keep the rise at that level, the authority says it needs to make £13m in new savings and efficiencies in the coming year.
Extra money for roads, events and neighbourhood improvements
A new Economic Growth Fund is being proposed to target issues residents raise most often, including road conditions and the look and feel of neighbourhoods.
According to the council, the fund would include an extra £3m for resurfacing and potholes, taking next year’s roads budget to more than £12m within a wider £37m allocation for highways and transport.
The council says the fund would also support events, tourism and community initiatives, including additional investment in Christmas activities.
More money for schools and social care
Schools would receive an above‑inflation uplift of £12.3m, taking the total education budget to £240.4m.
Services for vulnerable adults, children and anti‑poverty work would see a £10.9m increase, bringing the total to £206.9m.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the budget aimed to protect frontline services while responding to issues residents regularly raise about road repairs and street cleanliness.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:
“We have a strong track record of using our money wisely and driving down our costs which means we can now put record funding into vital services such as schools and social services.
“But we’re also looking to go further and faster in tackling the other issues residents care about in their communities, particularly road repairs and keeping our streets clean.”
Street cleaning, fly‑tipping and footpaths
The draft budget includes permanent funding for deep‑cleaning teams worth £474,000, alongside £250,000 for fly‑tipping enforcement and £150,000 for bridleways and footpaths.
The council says it will also continue initiatives such as free bus travel days, food support grants and Swansea Spaces.
The proposals will be considered by Cabinet on February 19 before going to Full Council next month.
