Swansea is preparing to sign off a near‑£1bn budget for the coming year, with the council claiming it will deliver “record investment” for residents as families continue to battle rising costs and stretched services.
The plans go before Cabinet on January 9, with the local authority insisting the extra funding will protect the services people rely on most.
Schools to get ‘biggest-ever spend’, council says
The council says education will receive more than £238m — the highest schools budget Swansea has ever set.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:
“Our proposed budget for the coming year is worth nearly £1bn and aims to see the biggest-ever spend on education and schools of more than £238m — an increase of more than £12m for schools alone.”
He said the investment would “have a lasting impact for families right across the city”.
Social services budget hits record £207m
The council says social care — one of its most pressured services — will also see a major uplift.
Cllr Stewart said social services are expected to be “boosted by a net just under £11m, taking the budget to a record near‑£207m for the coming year.”
The authority says the extra cash is needed to meet rising demand, higher energy bills and inflation.
Council insists Swansea is ‘better placed than most’
Despite the spending increases, the council says it still needs to find £12.7m in savings, though this is less than last year.
Cllr Stewart said:
“Thanks to prudent financial management, Swansea is better placed than most councils to protect services that residents value most by using some of the reserves we have prudently created over recent years.”
He added that even after savings, the council will still be “investing a net extra of almost £30m in services”.
Council highlights major projects and cost-of-living support
The local authority pointed to a string of recent projects and support schemes, including the Mumbles sea wall, 71/72 Kingsway, Y Storfa, and the continued success of Swansea Arena.
Cllr Stewart said:
“We’ve been investing record amounts in front-line services and the recovery since the pandemic and throughout the cost of living crisis to help Swansea residents during these difficult times.”
He also highlighted more than £550,000 provided to community groups through the council’s #HereForYouThisWinter campaign.
Looking ahead: Castle Square and St David’s redevelopment
The council says 2026 will see major upgrades to Castle Square Gardens and the redevelopment of the former St David’s shopping centre, with “tens of millions” continuing to flow into the city.
Cllr Stewart said these investments “will continue to flow into our city and communities, to improve lives and opportunities for residents.”
I hope some of Swansea’s budget will be spent on the Gower roads and more frequent buses.