COUNCIL tax in Neath Port Talbot is set to increase by 2.75 per cent, one of the lowest tax increases in Wales.

A report, to be considered by Neath Port Talbot Council's Cabinet next week, is now recommending an initial 3.75 per cent proposed council tax rise for 2021/22 be reduced to just 2.75 per cent.

It follows public consultation on the proposed 2021/22 budget which took into account views from more than 1,000 residents.

The report to Cabinet members said: “The proposed increase in council tax was identified as being the main concern (on financial grounds) and following consideration, this, along with some other proposals, have been amended."

The council receives 75 per cent of its revenue budget from the Welsh Government, with council tax funding the remaining 25 per cent.

The report also outlines additional investment in front line services of almost £9m including an inflation busting increase of 3.52 per cent directly to schools; over £2m new investment in Social Services and an additional £1.6m for visible day to day services.

Cllr Carol Clement Williams, the council's cabinet member for finance, said: “After initially proposing a budget containing a proposed 3.75 per cent increase in council tax we went out to public consultation.

“We listened carefully to what people had to say and it was clear that financial concerns over the proposed rise in council tax were one of the main issues people had with our proposals.

“This council has to work hard to keep the council tax increase to the lowest possible level, balanced against the need to provide the many vital services so many of our residents and businesses rely on.

“I’m pleased to say we were able to reach a position in which we could lower the proposed council tax increase to 2.75 per cent, one of the lowest in Wales and still resist cuts in services and providing additional investment of almost £9m.”

Despite the tough economic climate due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a second report will ask councillors to approve a projected investment of more than £150m in major projects in Neath Port Talbot over the next three years.

Some of the investments being targeted for 2021/22 include the third phase of works at Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera (total project budget, £9m) and continuing the major development of Margam Country Park, including a new zip slide attraction and children's play area.