Neath Port Talbot Council’s Rainbow Coalition members have announced dates and venues for a series of public meetings to discuss the current turbulent economic conditions and what these could mean for the council and for council services.
To make the events as accessible as possible, they will take place in six towns and each of the five valleys throughout November and December as follows:
- Tues 22 Nov (6.00pm start) – Building Blocks, Resolven
- Wed 23 Nov (6.00pm start) – Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot
- Thurs 24 Nov (6.00pm start) – Pontardawe Arts Centre
- Mon 28 Nov (6.00pm start) – Neath Town Hall
- Wed 30 Nov (6.30pm start) – Glynneath Town Hall
- Thurs 1 Dec (6.00pm start) – Cwmgors Community Centre
- Mon 5 Dec (5.00pm start) – Seven Sisters Community Centre
- Tues 6 Dec (6.00pm start) – Cwmafan Library
- Wed 7 Dec (6.00pm start) – Ystalyfera Community Hall
- Tues 13 Dec (6.00pm start) – Hengwrt Sports Centre, Briton Ferry
- Wed 14 Dec (6.00pm start) – Carnegie Hall, Skewen
Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt, said:
“Without extra money from the UK and Welsh Governments, the council, in common with others across the UK, is facing a multi-million pound budget gap in the years up to 2025-26.
“There is no doubt the financial position for many of our residents as well as this council will be one of the most, if not the most, challenging we have ever faced.
“No ‘one person’ and no ‘one group of people’ will know all the answers and we really need residents’ input together with help from trade unions and other partners so we can get through this difficult time together.”
With inflation reaching levels not seen since the ‘80s, it is estimated the council’s energy costs alone will rise by £8m in 2023-24 and as Council Tax only makes up 25% of the council’s budget – Government intervention is needed.
In addition to the face to face events, the council will be using its social media accounts, e-newsletter and website to reach out to people online. People can keep up to date on Facebook @NeathPortTalbotCBC or @CyngorCnPT, Twitter @NPTCouncil or @CyngorCnPT and www.npt.gov.uk.
In the meantime please people living and working in Neath Port Talbot are asked to join the continuous lobbying of the Welsh and UK governments over funding. If you haven’t yet signed Unison’s petitions please consider doing this and asking people you know to sign as well (see details below):
- Petition to Welsh Government – Allocate additional funding to Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to ensure its sustainability
- Campaign to MPs – It’s Time To Save Our Services