Have your say on the 2022/23 Budget in person at three local events

The Council has announced details of the three face-to-face community events being held in the first phase of its 2022/23 Budget Consultation – so residents can have their say on investment priorities in person. 

Phase One of this year’s consultation started on October 26, and focuses on investment priorities, Council Tax levels and efficiency savings. Residents have been finding out more and having their say via a survey on the Council’s Let’s Talk Engagement website, while those without Internet access can take part in traditional ways – by requesting a paper survey or contributing via post.

Have your say in phase one of the 2022/23 Budget consultation here

Due to the pandemic, the Council adopted a ‘digital by default’ approach to the consultation last year, to adhere to social distancing. However, restrictions have eased this year and it is possible for face-to-face events to return – while continuing to bear in mind important actions to reduce the spread of Covid.

As a result, the Council’s trailer will be located at outdoor venues for three events in the coming weeks – where residents can have their say in person. They will be able to speak to Officers, view information on tablets and take part in poll surveys. Everyone is welcome to ‘drop-in’ to the following events: 

• Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd (trailer located near M&S Bridge) – Wednesday, November 17 (10am-2pm).
• Aberdare Town Centre (trailer located at Library Square) – Wednesday, November 24 (10am-2pm).
• Treorchy Co-op store (trailer located within the car park) – Wednesday, December 1 (10am-2pm).

The first phase of the 2022/23 Budget consultation runs until December 7. It will inform a draft budget strategy, based on Welsh Government’s provisional settlement to Local Authorities. The second phase of the consultation will follow in the New Year, asking residents for their views on the draft strategy.

Councillor Maureen Webber, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Council Business, said: “The return of face-to-face events is very welcome as we try to reach as many people as possible in our annual Budget consultation. This first phase of the process helps inform Officers and the Cabinet in their decision-making when setting a draft budget, which is why we are encouraging as much input as possible.

“The face-to-face events in Pontypridd, Aberdare and Treorchy will present residents with the opportunity to speak to Officers, who will be able to answer any questions they might have about the Budget for next year. While we continue our digital-led approach to the consultation, these events are an important part of the traditional methods of engaging residents who may not have Internet access – alongside paper surveys and postal responses.

“The Council is also engaging with a number of key groups such as the Older Persons Advisory Group, Rhonda Cynon Taf’s Youth Forums, schools, the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee, the Community Liaison Committee, the Disability Forum and Armed Forces/Veterans groups.

“I’d urge all interested residents to ‘drop-in’ to one of the three community events at any time between 10am and 2pm, to have their say on Council investment priorities. This phase of the consultation continues until December 7, and will be followed in the New Year by a second phase where residents will be able to provide feedback on the draft Budget Strategy for 2022/23.”