Agenda item

Members received the Report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Services in relation to the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2018/19, which had been announced by Welsh Government on 10 October 2017.  The Provisional Settlement would be put out for consultation following the meeting of Cabinet on 8 November, 2017.

Members commented that health had again been protected which had resulted in significant pressures on Local Government.

The Chancellor would make his Autumn Statement on 22 November but it was anticipated that this would not have an impact on 2018/19.

Members questioned the detail of the funding formula and were advised that there were 52 specific elements considered in the distribution of £5.5bn across Wales. Two indicators had been detrimental to the Authority’s share ie the number of pupils where the rest of Wales had increased at a faster rate that Neath Port Talbot and that the Authority had less growth in the number of residents 85 years old and over.

Members, Officers and Trade Unions were thanked for the lobbying work which had been undertaken, which in turn had had a positive impact on the settlement.

RESOLVED:      that the above report be noted.