Residents will be paying almost 50% more council tax than just three years ago after Llanelli Rural Council’s Labour administration opt for yet another tax increase.
Plaid Cymru and Independent councillors in opposition have condemned the decision to increase council tax by 8% yesterday, warning it will place a further burden on households during the ongoing cost of living crisis. This follows an eye-watering 32% increase last year by Labour and means residents will now be paying over 47% more than in 2023.
Cllr Alex Evans, Leader of the Opposition, said the decision shows “the administration is out of touch with the priorities of ordinary residents.”
“People are already struggling to get by. Forcing them to pay almost 50% more in council tax than just three years ago is just not on — that is why we had to vote against the proposed budget tonight. Residents are being asked to pay more while council leaders spend on luxuries.”
Opposition councillors also criticised continued spending on councillor attendance payments, along with a leased car and chauffeur to escort the Chair of Council to events. An optional attendance payment allows councillors to claim £15 for each meeting they attend, with several meetings lasting less than 10 minutes in 2025, and the shortest lasting only three minutes.
“Opposition councillors and residents will rightly question the judgement and priorities of Labour councillors after refusing to scrap attendance payments and return the leased car.”
Plaid Cymru and Independent councillors in opposition contrasted the move with neighbouring Llanelli Town Council under its new Independent administration, which has voted to freeze its tax and has committed to scrapping councillor payments introduced by the former Labour administration.
Cllr Sharen Davies, Independent member who also voted against the budget, challenged Labour’s claim that the tax rise was driven in part by the Canolfan Llwynhendy project.
“This development has been funded largely through grants and partner support. It should not be used as a smokescreen to justify excessive tax rises. Llwynhendy residents deserve investment and improvements in our community.”
“This tax hike is completely unacceptable and will put serious financial pressure on our residents. Labour must rethink this further tax increase and start cutting back on unnecessary luxuries.”
Very interesting, as someone who lives in the rural catchment. Looks like the Independent move in the Town centre was wise.
How much of a shift would be needed for the Rural to become independent ?
I believe both my local Councillors stand as independent, what is the split?
Andrew Rees It’s not the case in some respects. Taking on the mess before the election is a big gamble as well as the work, labour will also be in a poition to point the blame and point the finger when governing challenges will be at its worse.
Terry Davies interesting point with the way political parties work, plus I get it would be far tougher to influence the vote over the far wider area covered by the town than the rural.
Still food for thought though when it comes to actually making a change.
Andrew Rees
The only ‘shift’ needed for the Rural council to be Plaid/ Independent run would be if one of the Plaid members, the female member for Hengoed ward, who currently and unbelievably supports and votes with the Labour crowd, were to show allegiance to party and electors, and behave accordingly.
Martin Davies would being Plaid run be any different to Labour run ? Really ?
CCC has switched to plaid run as they convinced the independents they could do better. But have they actually done any different ?
Does the Rural have any independents strong enough to stand up and lead without a political party backing them, as that’s what I believe has freed the town council from party politics. It may not work but it’s a safer attempt at change than Reform.
Time to stand up and be counted possibly.
Andrew Rees
Not a question of Plaid run – it would be an equally balanced group, 6 Plaid and 5 Independent, all with the welfare of the Rural electors in view, rather than promoting their own egos.