THE final council tax increases for Wales have now been confirmed, with rises varying across different local authorities. While Bridgend will see the lowest increase at 4.5%, residents in Pembrokeshireface the highest hike of 9.35%.
Local councils receive funding from three main sources: a grant from the Welsh Government, council tax, and business rates. These funds support essential services such as bin collections, road maintenance, education, and social care. Despite the Welsh Government increasing its funding allocation in the final budget, many councils have warned that the additional money is insufficient to cover mounting financial pressures.
During a recent Senedd committee session, four council leaders expressed concerns that even with the improved settlement, council tax rises remain necessary. Similar warnings were issued during budget meetings, highlighting the challenges local authorities continue to face.
Breakdown of Council Tax Increases by Local Authority
Blaenau Gwent – Council tax will rise by 4.95%, equating to an extra £1.22 per week for a Band A property and £1.42 for Band B homes. Despite the increase, this remains one of the lowest rates in Wales.
Bridgend – The lowest rise in Wales at 4.5%, equating to an extra £1.59 per week for a Band D property.
Caerphilly – A 7.9% rise will see Band D council tax increase from £1,446.37 to £1,560.63, an extra £2.20 per week. The council leader described this as a “modest” increase, highlighting that Caerphilly still maintains one of the lowest rates in Wales.
Cardiff – The capital’s council tax will rise by 4.95%. Savings will also come from job cuts, including non-replacement of vacancies and voluntary redundancies. Additional funds will be allocated to schools, children’s services, and social care.
Carmarthenshire – Originally planned at 9.75%, the rise was adjusted to 8.9% following additional funding from the Welsh Government.
Ceredigion – Ceredigion will raise council tax by 9.3%. Council leader Bryan Davies emphasised the need to protect essential services, particularly for the most vulnerable.
Conwy – Council tax will increase by 8.95%. Council leader Cllr Charlie McCoubrey described the financial situation as “unpalatable,” citing growing demand for statutory services.
Denbighshire – Residents will see a 6% increase in council tax.
Flintshire – A 9.5% rise means Band D properties will pay an extra £157 per year.
Gwynedd – Council tax will increase by 8.99%. Council leader Nia Jeffreys acknowledged concerns over household affordability and highlighted support services available for struggling residents.
Isle of Anglesey – The council initially proposed a 9.5% rise but settled on 8.5%. Finance spokesperson Cllr Robin Williams criticised inadequate funding from the Welsh Government, citing a £10.5m shortfall.
Merthyr Tydfil – Council tax will rise by 5.5%, bringing the Band D charge to £2,083.21 for 2025-26—an annual increase of £108.60.
Monmouthshire – A 7.8% rise aims to protect key services for vulnerable residents.
Neath Port Talbot – A 7% increase comes alongside budget cuts affecting road markings, cemeteries, and homeless services, while street lighting will be dimmed at certain hours to save money.
Newport – Council tax will rise by 6.7%.
Pembrokeshire – A 9.35% rise equates to £2.71 extra per week for Band D properties. Council leader Jon Harvey stressed that the increase is necessary to prevent “devastating cuts to vital services.”
Powys – Councillors approved an 8.9% increase for 2025-26.
Rhondda Cynon Taf – Residents will face a 4.7% increase in council tax.
Swansea – A 5.95% rise will take a Band D bill from £1,641.95 to £1,739.61, with £51m allocated to boost day-to-day services.
Torfaen – A 4.95% rise will bring Band D council tax to £1,627.32, an annual increase of £76.75. Council leader Anthony Hunt said the budget prioritises investment in schools, streets, and social care while keeping tax rises among the lowest in Wales.
Vale of Glamorgan – A 5.9% rise accompanies an “ambitious vision” set by council leader Lis Burnett, who emphasised the need for service restructuring amid ongoing financial constraints.
Wrexham – A 9.5% increase was approved, with council papers noting that local taxation is increasingly relied upon due to insufficient government funding.
The wider impact
With many Welsh councils citing increased demand for services and financial pressures, these tax hikes reflect the growing strain on local budgets. Despite efforts to minimise increases, leaders have warned that balancing budgets without cuts remains a challenge.
While some areas, such as Blaenau Gwent and Bridgend, have managed to keep rises relatively low, others, including Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Flintshire, have opted for steeper increases to maintain essential services. As households continue to grapple with cost-of-living pressures, these rises will add further financial strain on residents across Wales.
Council tax rises across Wales revealed: How much each county will increase
