Liberal Democrat Councillor Joseph Carton, says his party is “surprised” by the budget proposed by the Labour-controlled Cardiff City Council. Councillor Carton who is the shadow Health, Housing and Well-being spokesperson says plans to raise council tax by 3.7% are “very disappointing.”
Labour had originally promised not to increase council tax by more than 2% in their 2012 election manifesto. Councillor Carton says “they have broken this promise every year since their election.” He says Labour are increasing council tax even though their funding from the National Assembly has increased.
The Council’s budget plans also include an increase in the costs of a number of council services such as the charges for births, deaths and marriages.
Cardiff City Council released their proposed budget for 2017/2018 last Friday. It outlines £17 million worth of spending cuts. A statement from the Council says that whilst the funding they receive from the National Assembly has fallen in real terms because of inflation.
The new budget will be voted on in February 2017. Councillor Carton says that his party will not directly oppose the budget. But he said they are unlikely to fully support the proposals.
