THE Vale council has launched its budget consultation ahead of the 2020-21 financial year.

Facing a possible budget deficit of £6million for the next financial year the council said it had some difficult decisions to make and is asking for residents’ input.

For the first time residents will be asked to consider the level at which the council should set council tax for the next financial year.

The council’s budget for the 2019-20 financial year was £226million and the council set itself a savings target of £3.8million.

Vale council leader, Cllr Neil Moore said: “Since 2010 the council has reduced its overall budget by £55million and if current forecasts are accurate a quarter of the council’s overall budget will have been eroded in the last decade.

“The level of savings required for next year will depend on the Revenue Support Grant that the council receives from the Welsh Government and the level at which council tax is set.

“The demand for services, especially education and social care continues to rise, along with the cost of delivering them.

“Protecting the services that residents value has been at the heart of the council’s transformation programme over the past five years, however, going forward savings alone will not be enough.

“Whilst receiving one of the lowest revenue support grants in Wales the council has kept council tax below the Welsh average.

"However, if we are to continue to deliver all of the services we currently deliver then this will position is simply not sustainable.”

Residents can have their say on the budget by visiting valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/budget