Posted on: Tuesday 10 February 2026
Members of the Torfaen People's Panel met yesterday to consider the council's budget proposals for the next financial year.
Robert Green, Head of Financial Services, outlined the council's expected financial position for 2026/7 and key investment priorities including:
- An additional £2.4m capital investment for roads.
- £346,000 for schools to improve support for children with additional learning needs.
- £250,000 to support the school leaver apprentice scheme and a further £400,000 of investment in new apprenticeships for Torfaen school leavers.
- £200,000 to address conflict in families and prevent children from entering care.
- £170,000 to help support young people and families experiencing domestic violence.
- A council tax increase of 3.95% - among the lowest in Wales
Andrew Lovegrove, Strategic Director for Resources, also explained how the budget would help deliver the Torfaen Deal, aimed at improving health inequalities and community-focused service delivery.
Questions were asked about the additional money for roads, which is part of a five-year £6.4m investment plan, and about can be done to reduce the risk of flooding.
The People's Panel members gave their backing for the additional funding for council apprenticeship positions and discussed how the council can support communities to take pride in their local areas through the Torfaen Deal investment.
The People's Panel meeting was held online with a second in person meeting planned for Wednesday evening.
For information about how you can sign up to the panel, please visit the People's Panel area on the Get Involved Torfaen website or email getinvolved@torfaen.gov.uk
The draft budget plans include a pot of money to invest in communities as part of the Torfaen Deal. You can have your say on the council's draft 2026/7 budget - and suggest how this money can be spent here: https://getinvolved.torfaen.gov.uk/budget-26-27
Your comments will be factored into a report to Full Council in March.