A SPECIAL statement on the new proposed council budget has promised to provide for bus services in the area and no increase in council tax.

Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, John Thomas, made the announcement ahead of a special council meeting on March 8.

As the Barry and District News previously reported, a proposed budget put forward by the Conservative administration – which included a council tax increase of 4.9 per cent– was defeated 25 to 18 in a meeting on Wednesday, February 27.

Cllr John Thomas said: “Following last week’s budget vote I held discussions with members of my own group, including those that did not support the budget proposals, as well as several other councillors.

“Talks continued in the days that followed and I am pleased to say that new budget proposals will now be presented to a special meeting of full council on Friday. These will include new measures to address a number of issues raised at the full council meeting and subsequently, such as additional £100,000 for supporting local bus services and setting aside of additional money to support community uses in the development of St Paul’s church in Penarth.

“Opposition members have also asked for a number of areas of the council’s work to be reviewed. This is in keeping with spirit of openness and transparency with which I have always sought to lead the council and so something that I am more than happy to consider.

“I am very pleased that by considering the views expressed at the meeting of full council we have been able to put together an amended budget that meets the needs of the whole Vale.

“If agreed on Friday this new budget will represent a victory for grown-up politics in the Vale of Glamorgan. Reaching this agreement has not been about doing deals, but rather being mature and perceptive enough to consider the needs of all the communities we serve.

“This has also come at no additional cost to local residents, with the proposed level of council tax remaining unchanged.”