CAERPHILLY County Borough Council will need to make tough decisions in order to balance its budget next year, the leader of the council has warned.

Councils across Wales, Caerphilly included, are still examining the consequences of the Chancellor’s autumn UK budget statement earlier this week.

Cllr Dave Poole said: “These are unprecedented times for local government, and it’s essential that local councils, and the crucial services we provide, are able to benefit from any additional funding allocated to Wales.”

The council could be facing cuts in the region of £15.6 million next year alone, with a potential cumulative total of around £60 million over the next five years.

Cllr Poole added: “It remains a deeply worrying time for local government, and while we’ve been doing all we can to maximise back office savings over the past few years to protect our residents, the financial situation facing us means that it is inevitable that we’ll need to make a number of difficult decisions over the coming months in order to deliver a balanced budget.

“As the impact of the Chancellor’s statement becomes clearer, Cabinet will consider a list of savings proposals for 2019/20 when we meet on Wednesday, November 14. Details of the proposals will be announced next week ahead of the meeting and a period of public consultation will then take place to ensure residents get the chance to have their say.

“I would like to assure our residents that while the situation is deeply concerning, we are working hard to protect and prioritise key frontline services. We know it will be tough, but we are up for the challenge.”

The council has already delivered savings in excess of £89 million since 2008 and the recent budget settlement announcement from Welsh Government has signalled continued financial pressures over the next few years.