21 February 2012
As consultation on the budget proposals take a step closer to Councillors setting council tax rates at the end of February, a consensus is emerging about the exciting new budget proposals for 2012/13 with a zero rise recommended by the Cabinet.
Cllr Colin Mann Deputy Leader and Cabinet member responsible for Corporate Finance said, "We have delivered a balanced budget with no overspending in the last two years following our Medium Term Financial Plan strategy and we can do this again in 2012/13.
As the largest employer in the county borough and the biggest capital investor we have an important role in keeping the economy of Caerphilly county borough moving. The two exciting multi-million pound projects already unveiled for 2012/13 are just a small sample of how good financial management can make a major impact on the local economy. We have since 2008 seen major building projects happen in Caerphilly county borough e.g. Penallta House Council offices, Ysbty Ystrad Fawr, Oakdale Business Park, Bargoed Town Centre, Improvements to A472 for the hospital, Blackwood Miners' Institute refurbishment, Risca Palace.
Cllr Ron Davies, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning said, "All of these and the capital being invested by local companies to develop and expand their businesses have all helped create a feel good factor in the county borough that not only do we get more for our money but we are bucking the trend as far as the recession is concerned. Local traders know how hard it is and we are doing everything we can to attract investment into the area and particularly into our town centres. We also been making substantial investments into the rural economy via the Rural Development fund and the SMEs involved in these grants are really making this money work for them.
Cllr Colin Mann Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance in drawing together the budget proposals said, "There are two key components in achieving the last three years budgets and in delivering next years – one you must have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and secondly you must have good employees who will take up the challenges facing the council and make it happen."
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