Rhondda Cynon Taf Council keeps telling residents they have no money, but the figures tell a very different story.
For the financial year 2023/24, the council’s net revenue budget rose to £609.9 million. Of that, £157 million came directly from Council Tax. Yet residents are seeing services cut, bills rise, and communities left struggling.
- Schools closed: In Aberdare, 4 schools were shut down to “save money” and replaced with 1. The council then sold off the land from the other sites. Across RCT, this pattern has been repeated — amalgamating schools to cut costs and cashing in by selling land.
- Bins removed: Basic public services like refuse collection are being slashed.
- School transport axed: Children are left to walk miles in unsafe conditions while the council insists the cuts are unavoidable.
- Council Tax rising every year: Even as services decline, residents are forced to pay more because of so-called “budget deficits.”
Council leader Andrew Morgan admitted to a £28.2 million funding gap this year, blaming cost-of-living pressures. But the truth is this:
As of 31 March 2024, RCT Council held £216 million in usable reserves. That’s money that could be spent supporting services right now. Officials say these reserves act as a financial “buffer,” but in reality, they represent about 32% of the council’s annual spending — far higher than many councils hold. By March 2025, reports showed £73.45 million in earmarked reserves set aside for various purposes.
In fact, RCT has been highlighted as holding the biggest reserves of any council in Wales. So why are basic services being stripped away while millions sit untouched?
The posts below were taken from Save School Transport in Rhondda Cynon Taf from frustrated parents.
Three weeks in. My son has walked in torrential rain with musical instruments, art supplies and a very large bag. Where possible we’ve driven him in, but can’t everyday as we also work in schools at the opposite end of the county. As expected he’s arriving at school soaked, as are his books (despite a waterproof bag). Passing lorries have drenched him as the paths aren’t well lit or wide enough to dodge puddles. School uniform is still dark. School coats are still black.
No breakfast club for secondary schools to stagger arrivals and no lockers to store wet clothes, and nowhere to change. Public transport is full and people who need the buses for work are struggling.
Now looking to move our son to a more local comprehensive, and out of Welsh medium setting. How is this in line with national priorities? I’d love to see the impact study on this! But my local councillor won’t reply when I’ve asked. Feeling very downhearted!
All the labour councillors voted to take away the children’s school buses
Well, when your local councillor is knocking on your door for your votes, just remember what they did to our young students.
My local Labour councillor who when I spoke to her afew months ago was 100% behind the idea of stopping the buses and told me that the reason for it is because RCT are 3.5 million in debt then I find out this is lies !!!
As of early this year RCT council have at that time 255 million in reserves !!!
This information is available on the web just search RCT council reserves .
It also says RCT council has the biggest reserves out of all the councils in Wales.
None of the labour councillors have made any comment on their decision to take away the school transport,the annoying part is there are probably school buses passing your son on the way to school,they are an absolute disgrace to their communities and don’t deserve another vote in the may elections,they are supposed to work for the people not against them,they seem to have forgotten their roles.
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