County council cabinet 'won't back double digit tax rise'

A NORTH Wales cabinet has vowed not to impose a “double-digit council tax rise” next year.

- By RICHARD EVANS

Conwy County Council cabinet members made the commitment at a meeting on Tuesday, after a councillor last week claimed earlier this month that council tax would need to rise by 12.5% to cover an estimated £22 million funding gap.

Conservative backbencher Gareth Jones, at a finance meeting for setting the budget in 2026/27 September 1, said an “untenable” 12.5% rise would be needed just to balance the authority's books.

But cabinet member Cllr Mike Priestley dismissed the 12.5% figure whilst deputy leader Cllr Emily Owen said reporting the claimed rise was “irresponsible”.