Pembrokeshire County Council approves Council Tax rise of 7.5%

Pembrokeshire County Council has approved its budget for 2023-24.

The decision was taken at a meeting of Full Council yesterday (Thursday, 2^nd March).

Council also approved a Council Tax rise of 7.5 per cent for 2023-24, equating to a rise of £1.80 per week for a Band D property. The proposal was put forward by the Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Alec Cormack.

An amendment of 5.5 per cent, proposed by Cllr Jamie Adams, was rejected.

The final Council Tax demand will include precepts from Town and Community Councils and Dyfed Powys Police.

Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance Cllr Alec Cormack said: “I believe the 7.5% Council Tax increase agreed was the best balance between limiting the rise to bills in the cost of living crisis and avoiding the most severe cuts to council services. 

“Pembrokeshire will still have the lowest Council Tax in Wales in 2023/24, so we will see severe budget pressures in future years, particularly in adult social care, as we have one of the oldest populations in Wales.”

Council members also approved a recommendation that the Council Tax Premiums for Second Homes and Long Term Empty Properties are retained for 2023-24 at their existing levels.

They backed a recommendation that the Council Tax Premium for Second Homes be allocated for 2023-24, with Council minded to continue this use until 2027-28, to provide funding for the Affordable Housing programme, the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant, and elements of the Council’s budget relating to affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities.

Members also approved the indicative Capital Programme for 2023-24 to 2026-27 and the Capital Strategy 2023-24 to 2026-27.