Residents could be facing a 10 per cent increase in council tax following the news that the county has been given the worst funding settlement from the Welsh Government.

Monmouthshire County Council received confirmation from the Welsh Government of the provisional 2.3 percent increase in core funding it will receive next year. The average for the whole of Wales is 3.1.

A Spokesman for MCC said that the proposed increase “will be challenging for the council and its residents, following estimates showing that inflation and growth in demand will significantly exceed the increase provided”.

Council estimates suggest that inflation and the growth in demand for services, such as social care, would require an increase expenditure of over 10 percent to maintain existing levels of services.

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of the council, said: “We must remain pragmatic as we continue to work through a challenging period, not just for Monmouthshire, but for the country. As always, we will put our residents first as we strive to set a robust and fair budget.”

The Leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr Richard John, said, “Yet again, Monmouthshire has been given the worst funding settlement of any council in Wales at just £1,335 per head compared to neighbouring councils getting up to £2,140 per head. Sadly, the burden largely falls on council taxpayers to make up the difference.

Cllr. Ben Callard, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “The scale of the challenge we face is greater than we have ever faced before. We will meet this challenge and we will be fair and open in how we set our budget for the coming year. This will allow us to continue to focus on our priorities as set out in our community and corporate plan.”

The Council’s draft budget proposals will be considered by Cabinet at a meeting on January 17, 2024 and will then be released for public consultation.

Local community and partner organisations will have an opportunity to share their views on the proposals, further information will be provided in due course: – www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/