Information check
At a time when news and information travels faster than ever, it is becoming increasingly difficult to know when something is accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Whether you encounter it in-person, on social media or on the wider internet, inaccurate information can often cause confusion and concern within local communities.
It undermines public trust and can even prevent residents from accessing key services or sharing their views during a consultation.
This page is intended to ensure that you have access to factually correct information about council services and policies and can make informed decisions.
It will be regularly updated with up-to-date, accurate information on topical issues affecting Bridgend County Borough.
Latest issues: Council tax, business rates and funding
Budget
Is the council funded entirely by council tax?
No - only around 20 per cent of the council’s entire net budget is funded by council tax. The majority of services are funded by a Revenue Support Grant from Welsh Government.
Why doesn’t the council reduce business rates or cut shop rents?
The council does not set business rates – this is determined by Welsh Government - while rent levels are set by private landlords.
Business rates are calculated by taking the rateable value of a property and multiplying it by the current non-domestic rates 'multiplier’ which is set by Welsh Government each year.
Are council staff exempt from paying council tax?
No – this is a myth. All staff who live within Bridgend County Borough must pay council tax in the exact same way as all other residents.
Why does the council keep money in its reserves instead of spending it?
Councils are legally required to have reserves in place. This is money which has been set aside for the purpose of spending it on specific planned activities or during an emergency.
Reserves can be spent only once and fall into two categories.
Earmarked reserves are set aside to pay for planned projects, such as building new schools or regenerating town centres.
Emergency reserves include reserves for any other purpose would money set aside for emergency situations such as dealing with flooding or severe weather damage.
Spending the reserves on any other purpose would mean no money to invest into e.g. new schools and leaving residents and properties vulnerable and at risk.