With Christmas around the corner, and an ever more difficult cost of living crisis to manage for the average household, the Local Authority are spreading some not so festive cheer as we hit December with more miserable news about the fact that Council tax could have to increase by nearly 16% next year to balance the Council’s books in what has been labelled “the most challenging financial situation to face Pembrokeshire County Council since its inception!”

A budget consultation has now been launched ‘to help the Council understand what services are important to the public’ the PCC press release states.

‘Council budget consultation goes live – public urged to take part as savings needed’ - was the snappy soundbite title the PR was given by PCC’s newsroom/press office. It may as well have stated: ‘Savings needed - and we’re all stuffed!’

“Budget pressures are caused by many factors including an increase in the number of people needing the Council’s help, particularly within schools, children and adult social care and homelessness” - read one of the somwhat patronising paragraphs.

“Setting the budget is one of the Council’s most important roles and like all Local Authorities it is becoming more and more difficult to make ends meet.

“The public’s input into the budget consultation is very important and I want to reassure residents that we are approaching this budget process with your needs and priorities at the forefront.” remarked PCC’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, Cllr Josh Beynon.

“Despite these financial pressures, our commitment remains clear - protecting the services that residents value most.

“To put this into context, each one per cent increase in council tax generates approximately £820,000 in additional income – equivalent to just 29p per week for a Band D household.

“While no decisions have been made, this demonstrates how small contributions can collectively make a big difference,” he continued.

A council tax requirement of £13.1m equates to an increase in council tax of £4.61 per week (15.92 per cent) for a Band D property.

Take a look at the Outline Draft Budget consultation pages, it’s like a hellish advent calendar designed by Krampus! Scary stuff!

You can give your views on the Council’s budget saving options by completing the online response form at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/budget-consultation-2025-26

The consultation runs up to January 5. The Budget will be set by Council at its meeting on February 20, 2025.