Vale of Glamorgan Council's Cabinet approved budget proposals for the next financial year at a meeting this week that will now be put to a vote of full council next week.

 Plans include a 4.9 per cent increase in Council Tax, a review of services with identified savings, an increase in charges for some services of between five and 11 per cent and charges for some non-statutory services.

 These measures are necessary as the Authority looks to tackle a £9.7 million financial shortfall.

Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "Despite a better-than-expected settlement from Welsh Government, the Council remains in an extremely testing financial position.

"Unfortunately, that means we must make difficult and unpalatable decisions as there simply isn't the money to maintain all services at current levels.

"Our priority remains protecting schools and ensuring our most vulnerable residents continue to receive the care and support they need.

"A savings package of around £7.4 million has been put forward, along with the careful short-term use of reserves, to bridge the funding gap.

"Through the recent public consultation, residents have had their say on these proposals, while they have also been considered by scrutiny committees."

Like other Local Authorities, businesses and individuals, the Council has been significantly impacted by a volatile economic environment that has seen energy prices soar alongside climbing inflation and interest rates.

 The Council's main source of income is a settlement from the Welsh Government, which, including a contribution from pooled business rates, provides around 69 per cent of the £294 million it needs to deliver all services. Thirty-one per cent of the budget comes from Council Tax.