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Rhondda Cynon Taf plans further cuts to save £70m Rhondda Cynon Taf nursery cuts decision due
(about 7 hours later)
One of Wales' biggest councils is to consider further cuts as it seeks ways to save £70m over the next four years. One of Wales' biggest councils will later decide whether to increase the age children can start full-time education.
Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) cabinet members will discuss museum, theatre and leisure centre closures and shutting all 12 summer paddling pools. The plans are part of a range of proposals designed to save Rhondda Cynon Taf Council £70m over four years.
If agreed, the plans - to save £3.7m a year - will be consulted on. Cabinet members have already agreed to consult on phase two of its plans to shut museum, theatres, leisure centres and summer paddling pools.
It follows last year's public consultation where people protested against changes to the age the youngest children start full-time school. Last year's public consultation sparked protests.
Some 6,500 responses to a consultation on cuts announced last October, including shutting libraries and closing day centres, will also be considered. Currently, children in the county can attend school full-time from three, and plans to raise the age to five - in line with many other Welsh councils - caused an outcry by parents.
Following a public consultation, which attracted 6.500 responses, the cabinet will decide on Wednesday if they will implement those proposals from April.
Other matters to be considered are the closure of libraries, day care and youth centres and changes to meals on wheels.
The council's deputy leader Paul Cannon said the public would see that their participation in the consultation process has made a difference.
All 22 local authorities in Wales have either announced or are in the process of agreeing plans to make major budget cuts.All 22 local authorities in Wales have either announced or are in the process of agreeing plans to make major budget cuts.
As well as starting children later in nursery school, RCT's phase one proposals include closing 14 of its 26 libraries.As well as starting children later in nursery school, RCT's phase one proposals include closing 14 of its 26 libraries.
Proposals in phase two would involve closing the Cynon Valley Museum and Muni Arts Centre in Pontypridd, as well as 12 paddling pools open for six weeks each summer.Proposals in phase two would involve closing the Cynon Valley Museum and Muni Arts Centre in Pontypridd, as well as 12 paddling pools open for six weeks each summer.
With leisure services, the authority would close Bronwydd Pool, Llantwit Fardre Leisure Centre and also Hawthorn Swimming Pool, if it cannot be transferred to a neighbouring secondary school.With leisure services, the authority would close Bronwydd Pool, Llantwit Fardre Leisure Centre and also Hawthorn Swimming Pool, if it cannot be transferred to a neighbouring secondary school.
Sports centres at Rhondda Fach, Abercynon, Tonyrefail and Hawthorn would have reduced opening hours.Sports centres at Rhondda Fach, Abercynon, Tonyrefail and Hawthorn would have reduced opening hours.
All street lights would be switched off for part of the night in non-residential areas, and every other lamp along residential roads.All street lights would be switched off for part of the night in non-residential areas, and every other lamp along residential roads.
Bus route subsidies for services that are not commercially viable would be nearly halved, from £841,000 to £441,000 a year.Bus route subsidies for services that are not commercially viable would be nearly halved, from £841,000 to £441,000 a year.
Higher charges for adult social care services would also be introduced.Higher charges for adult social care services would also be introduced.
Speaking when the latest plans were announced before Christmas, council deputy leader Paul Cannon blamed UK government austerity policies for the "very tough choices" the authority was facing.Speaking when the latest plans were announced before Christmas, council deputy leader Paul Cannon blamed UK government austerity policies for the "very tough choices" the authority was facing.
"I would stress that this second phase of proposals are just that - proposals, and if deemed appropriate by cabinet, they will be fully consulted on before any final decisions are made," he said."I would stress that this second phase of proposals are just that - proposals, and if deemed appropriate by cabinet, they will be fully consulted on before any final decisions are made," he said.
"There is no escape from tough decisions in this difficult financial climate, but it must be remembered that even with these potential changes these services would still compare favourably across Wales."There is no escape from tough decisions in this difficult financial climate, but it must be remembered that even with these potential changes these services would still compare favourably across Wales.
"This position demonstrates how councillors have, in very different times, prioritised frontline services and how now, when faced with making tough decisions to bridge a budget gap of £70m, are seeking to ensure the choices we may make still offers a good range and level of provision for our residents. "This position demonstrates how councillors have, in very different times, prioritised frontline services and how now, when faced with making tough decisions to bridge a budget gap of £70m, are seeking to ensure the choices we may make still offers a good range and level of provision for our residents."
"The council has made over £60m of efficiency savings in the last eight years, and to ensure that we protect our frontline services as far as is practicably possible, we will make an additional £4m in the next financial year.
"This will continue to be achieved by reviewing all of our back office functions to ensure significant savings are achieved with no effect on the services we provide to the public."