Anglesey’s Executive yesterday (Tuesday, February 16th) tried to ease some the financial pressures facing secondary schools as it finalised its budget proposals.
The Executive agreed to provide £150,000 towards integrating pupils with special needs into mainstream education.
Members of the Full Council will be asked to back the recommendation as part of final budget proposals which propose a 4.5% Council Tax increase for 2010-11.
A 4.5% increase would ensure that Anglesey’s Council Tax remains one of the lowest in Wales, with an average Band ‘D’ Council Tax bill standing at £825.30, excluding North Wales Police and Community Council precepts.
Council Leader, Councillor Clive McGregor, stressed, “I understand that this is only a relatively small increase in education funding and that it will only partially alleviate the severe pressures faced by our secondary schools. However, I hope that it shows my Executive’s commitment towards education during extremely difficult financial times.”
“Local Government is facing huge financial challenges – and Anglesey County Council will need to make savings in the region of £10m over the next three years. I realise, however, that head teachers and governors are also facing difficult decisions as they seek to deliver the best possible education for our young people.”
The Executive’s final budget proposals will also seek an employee pay freeze in line with national local government employers and further savings from its Affordable Priorities Programme during the next financial year.
Finance portfolio holder, Cllr Tom Jones, added, “We have consulted widely prior to finalising our budget proposals for 2010-11 and, as an Executive, we’ve taken onboard many of the arguments put to us. I’m now confident that we have a budget which will help steady the ship as we head into some rough financial waters.”
The Full Council will set Anglesey’s Council Tax level at its meeting on March 4th.
