Christmas Update

Happy New Year to you all! I hope you’ve had a peaceful start to 2025 and managed to enjoy the festive season, despite the challenges the winter weather has thrown our way. As I write this, a blizzard is swirling outside, and I hope you’re all keeping safe and warm.

Before diving into recent updates, I’d like to thank Brynford Community Council and the working group for organising the tree lighting, carol singing, and the festive tractor run. It was a truly wonderful event that was enjoyed by everyone. Thank you also to Gayle, Jon, Alison and the Rhosesmor village hall committee for arranging a fantastic brass band concert at Rhosesmor Church, and well done to the children of Rhos Helyg for singing so beautifully—it was a real highlight of the season.

I’d also like to express my gratitude to the dedicated members of the community who worked so hard to organise the many events, services, stalls, and fêtes throughout the festive period. Your efforts made the season a memorable one for everyone and brought the community together in such a special way.

I’d like to thank those involved in keeping our roads clear during the recent snowy weather. The main routes have been gritted, and salt bins in the estates have been refilled, but if you notice stocks running low, please do let us know so we can ensure they’re replenished.

Since my last post, we’ve also faced the challenges of Storms Bert and Darragh. Both storms caused disruption, but Darragh was particularly difficult, with widespread power cuts across the area. If you need information or assistance in dealing with SP Energy, Dŵr Cymru, or council services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. My mobile number and email address are listed on the council website, and I’ve recently created a new Facebook profile. This will make it easier for residents to contact me and stay up to date with local matters. Managing my previous page linked to my personal profile became too cumbersome, so I’ve opted for a fresh start. Please do feel free to add me for more regular updates and quicker communication.

Council’s Financial Position

The recent Member Briefings provided a detailed update on the Council’s financial position and the significant challenges it faces. The discussions focused on the pressures for the current year and the projected outlook for 2025/26.

The financial situation for 2024/25 remains difficult, with a projected overspend of £6.375 million, reduced to £3.375 million through the use of a one-off budget risk reserve. However, this does not address the deeper funding challenges, including an underlying shortfall of £8.5 million before temporary adjustments. Unforeseen costs, such as those arising from severe weather events, have only added to the strain.

The provisional Welsh Government settlement for 2025/26 offered a modest uplift, with Flintshire’s funding increasing by 3.3% compared to a Welsh average of 4.3%. This represents a cash increase of £8.7 million but falls well short of what is required to meet rising demands. Flintshire’s funding per capita remains one of the lowest in Wales, ranking 19th out of 22 councils, despite the county facing unique and pressing challenges.

The disparity in funding is partly due to the outdated funding formula established at the start of devolution, which does not account for the age profile of local populations. In a county like Flintshire, with an aging population, this has resulted in a significant funding gap for adult social care, one of the largest and most rapidly growing areas of cost pressure.

Another critical issue is homelessness, which places enormous pressure on the Council. I fully support the ethos of the Welsh Government’s policy, which rightly makes it a statutory duty for councils to step in and provide temporary accommodation for anyone who finds themselves homeless. However, the reality of implementing this policy is increasingly challenging. The cost-of-living crisis and changes in housing policy have left the affordable rental market unable to meet the community’s needs, driving more people into homelessness. While the Council is committed to supporting those in need, the settlement does not provide adequate funding to address this growing crisis, leaving Flintshire to bear the financial burden.

The estimated budget gap for 2025/26 is nearly £18 million, although rising demands in areas such as social care and homelessness could push this figure to £21 million. The Council is considering various options to address this shortfall, including a potential increase in Council Tax, which could generate around £1.1 million for every 1% rise. Other measures under consideration include reductions to school budgets, reassessing pay award assumptions, and exploring portfolio cost reductions, although these would inevitably impact frontline services.

I have been vocal in our Stage Two budget consultations about the urgent need to protect school budgets from further cuts. Our education system relies on a broad and balanced curriculum from the very beginning of a child’s school journey. However, austerity measures, combined with council budget cuts, are increasingly eroding these opportunities. They are vital for young people to develop diverse skills, creativity, and resilience. Cutting them not only diminishes the educational experience but risks narrowing the futures of young people who rely on these opportunities to thrive.

While the provisional settlement was better than initially feared, it does not come close to addressing Flintshire’s financial pressures or the unique challenges we face as a county. The Council will continue to lobby the Welsh Government for a more equitable funding formula that recognises the demographic and structural realities of areas like Flintshire.

Despite these challenges, the Council remains committed to delivering a legal and balanced budget while continuing to provide essential services for residents. Discussions will continue through January and February, with final budget proposals due in mid-February. Balancing these competing priorities will not be easy, but it is vital to ensure the sustainability of services for our community.

As we get ready to debate the 2025-2026 budget, I want to make sure your views are heard. Please get in touch to share what’s important to you—I’d like to speak up on your behalf and make sure our community’s priorities are front and centre.

School Transport Update

I remain fully committed to improving school transport links. We recently submitted a notice of motion to full council to ensure the policy is debated by the Education Committee. While I initially requested this discussion take place directly through the committee, it was diverted to an all-members briefing instead.

However, I am pleased to inform you that an all-members workshop will now be held, providing an opportunity for open debate with Education and Street Scene officers. The outcomes from this workshop will then be presented to the Education Committee, which will have the opportunity to recommend policy changes for consideration by the Cabinet.

I must emphasise that there are still many procedural steps to navigate, and as highlighted in my earlier budget update, sweeping changes that significantly increase costs are unlikely to gain approval. That said, I am hopeful that practical, commonsense solutions—such as allowing the purchase of concessionary seats—will be given due consideration.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support.

Community Speed Watch Update

I’m pleased to share that I’ve now successfully passed the vetting process to lead a Community Speed Watch group. While it’s taken some time, we’re finally making progress! I will need to complete my training first, after which we can organise our first session. During this session, volunteers will receive on-the-road training.

If you’re interested in volunteering and helping to improve road safety in our community, please get in touch. We’ll be starting in Rhosesmor and would greatly appreciate your support.