COUNCIL tax payers in Torfaen face a rise of nearly six per cent under initial budget proposals set to be discussed by councillors.

Torfaen County Borough Council is proposing an increase of 5.95 per cent in council tax as it seeks to plug a funding gap.

A funding gap of £8.5million was initially identified for the coming financial year, but after further savings and changes were made, this has now reduced to just over £3.5million.

A final Welsh Government settlement provided the council with an additional £584,000, with its final allocation up £736,000, or 0.6 per cent, on last year.

South Wales Argus:

Torfaen council HQ in Pontypool

Councillors will scrutinise the initial proposals at a meeting this week, before they come before the authority's cabinet next Tuesday.

A further cabinet meeting will then be held next month to consider the final budget proposals.

Other savings proposed could include reducing the subsidy level to Cwmbran Farm, potentially saving around £200,000.

Implementing a decision for residents to sort their rubbish at the recycling centre, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, could also save £80,000.

Cuts to Blaenavon Workmen's Hall's funding could save £5,000, while reducing the use of agency staff in waste collections could save £15,000.

Meanwhile schools will receive 'relative protection', with funding allocated for increasing pupil numbers.

Investments will also be made to meet increasing demand in social care.

A spokesman for the council said: "Councillors are meeting this week to scrutinise a package of savings measures to address the funding gap facing the council.

"After another real-terms cut in funding and given the demand pressures facing services, setting the budget is not easy for any council and will involve some difficult decisions.

"Council tax provides around 15 per cent of the council’s total budget.

"A proposed council tax rise of 5.95 per cent, would enable the council to protect priority services such as adult and children’s social care services, schools and cleaning and greening.

"Without an increase in council tax, a further £2.3million of cuts would be required on top of the current proposals."