Calls for Reform in Welsh Government Funding Formula

RESIDENTS across Wales are facing an average 7.36% increase in Council Tax for the 2025-26 financial year, despite councils holding more than £2 billion in usable reserves. The proposed hikes come amid concerns that the Welsh Labour Government’s Local Government Funding Formula is outdated, leading to significant disparities in funding between councils.

While councils argue that reserves are necessary for financial stability and future investment, critics say the current system places an unfair burden on taxpayers and fails to ensure efficient spending. Some councils are sitting on reserves exceeding £200 million, while others struggle to meet budget demands, raising questions about fairness and transparency in the funding model.

Funding formula concerns
The Welsh Local Government Funding Formula is under scrutiny, with critics highlighting that it still relies on population data from the 1990s. There are also concerns about uneven funding allocations, with some councils receiving significantly more per capita than their neighbours.

For example, Newport City Council receives £600 more per head than Monmouthshire County Council, despite both serving similar areas. Additionally, the funding formula assumes that the cost to a council of an 84-year-old resident is just £7.34, while an 85-year-old resident is assumed to cost over £2,243—a discrepancy that critics argue defies logic.

Welsh Conservative debate in the Senedd
The Welsh Conservatives are set to bring forward a debate in the Senedd next week, urging the Welsh Government to commission an independent review of the funding formula and work with councils to use reserves to ease the burden on taxpayers. The party is also calling for local referendums for any council proposing a tax rise above 5%.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Laura Anne Jones MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said: “Under the Welsh Labour Government, the Local Government Funding Formula is broken. It cannot be right that people in Wales face a 7% hike in their Council Tax while councils sit on over £2 billion in reserves.

In the Senedd next week, we will be calling on the Welsh Labour Government to fix this system by commissioning an independent review and ensuring Council Tax is kept as low as possible.”

The debate motion
The motion to be debated next week includes the following points:

• Recognising the essential role of councils in delivering public services and the funding challenges they face.
• Noting that Welsh councils hold over £2 billion in reserves.
• Expressing regret that the proposed Council Tax rise in Wales is 7.36% for 2025-26.
• Calling on the Welsh Government to:
• Review the Local Government Funding Formula to ensure fairer distribution of funding.
• Encourage councils to use reserves to minimise Council Tax increases.
• Introduce referendums for any Council Tax rise above 5%.
• Reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency in local government.
• Promote cross-council collaboration to cut costs and improve services.
• Foster a business-like approach to spending taxpayer money, reducing waste and unnecessary projects.

Council Perspective

Many local authorities defend their financial reserves, arguing that they are needed for unexpected costs, future investments, and financial stability. Some councils state that rising costs, particularly in social care and education, leave them little choice but to raise Council Tax.

A Welsh Government spokesperson previously stated that funding allocations are based on need and that councils are free to use reserves at their discretion. They argue that long-term financial planning is crucial, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

As the debate unfolds, the challenge remains striking a balance—ensuring councils have the funding they need while protecting residents from excessive tax increases.