This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-25640577

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Rhondda Cynon Taf nursery cuts decision due Rhondda Cynon Taf increases school age start
(about 3 hours later)
One of Wales' biggest councils will later decide whether to increase the age children can start full-time education. One of Wales' biggest councils will increase the age children can start full-time education - but has delayed when the change comes into force.
The plans are part of a range of proposals designed to save Rhondda Cynon Taf Council £70m over four years. Pupils in Rhondda Cynon Taf will now attend school from the age of four years rather than three.
Cabinet members have already agreed to consult on phase two of its plans to shut museum, theatres, leisure centres and summer paddling pools. But councillors agreed the plans would begin in September, not April, to allow parents time to prepare.
Last year's public consultation sparked protests. The plans are part of proposals to save £70m over four years.
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. Pupils will be able to start school in the term after their fourth birthday, rather than the September after.
Following a public consultation, which attracted 6.500 responses, the cabinet will decide on Wednesday if they will implement those proposals from April. The council's deputy leader Paul Cannon said the move showed councillors had listened to the public.
Other matters to be considered are the closure of libraries, day care and youth centres and changes to meals on wheels. Currently, children in the county can attend school full-time from the age of three, and plans to raise the age to five - in line with many other Welsh councils - caused an outcry from parents.
The council's deputy leader Paul Cannon said the public would see that their participation in the consultation process has made a difference. Following a public consultation, which attracted 6,500 responses, the cabinet was to decide on Wednesday if they would implement those proposals from April.
Instead, they agreed to allow children to start after their fourth birthday, and chose to delay the start of the plan to give parents more time to prepare.
Other matters being considered were the closure of libraries, day care and youth centres, and changes to meals on wheels.
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. Opening hours
Proposals in phase two of the council's budget plans, were also put out to consultation on Wednesday.
They 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 ahead of the meeting, council deputy leader Paul Cannon, said councillors knew the cuts would be unpopular, but said they had no other choice if they were to meet a £70m deficit.
"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. "It's hard for us to put these out for proposals, it's very uncomfortable, it's very unpleasant but unfortunately [is] absolutely necessary in the current financial climate," 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 are very few people, if any, in Rhondda Cynon Taf that are not going to feel affected in some way by the time we get to the end of this budget setting process.
"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." "My message to them is bare with us, take a look at what's happening around the rest of Wales, the rest of the UK - it's not just Rhondda Cynon Taf.
"We are desperately trying to protect valued services but in order to do that in the current financial situation, we have to make extremely tough and unpleasant changes. We have to make them, we have no choice."