Council confident budgets “sufficient to cover costs” of energy price rises

Wrexham Council could look to Welsh Government for support as energy costs rise over and above current projected budgets.

With the rise in energy prices, and further predicted rises, we asked Wrexham Council if there was any new strategy in place to deal with its own rising bills, and if it would mean support for third party providers. We asked for detail, and any data, around current issues and what planning is taking place for the new year – when most models indicate the possible peak impact could be felt.

Wrexham Council’s own buildings such as the Guildhall, Lampit Street offices and Ty Pawb have been described as energy inefficient in meetings over recent years, with a recent redevelopment of Crown Buildings appearing to be very energy conscious.

Like many local authorities Wrexham has third party providers, such as leisure services, providing the public with swimming pools and other energy hungry facilities.

Across the UK the leisure sector has been lobbying UK Government for support in what is claimed to be an already fragile service area that is recovering from the impact of the pandemic, and still suffering from reduced footfall. Some date indicates energy costs can be a leisure service operators second highest outgoing after staffing.

In Chelmsford the impact has some public figures, where the authority is set to spend an extra £480k to heat swimming pools. In Bristol an investment into 800 solar thermal tubes on top of a leisure centre has seen large energy bills drop entirely – reducing a claimed 100%.

Back in Wrexham, Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council and Lead Member for Finance, answered our query saying: “These are very difficult times for everyone – energy prices are putting real pressure on families, businesses and organisations, and people are deeply worried about the situation.

“We’re continually monitoring energy usage across council buildings and services, and based on latest estimates, we think the money set aside in our budget will be sufficient to cover costs. However, it all depends on how much energy is actually used over the winter period.

“If we need to take steps we will, and there may come a point when we have to ask Welsh Government to provide more help to families, businesses and public services to help everyone get through this difficult period.

“The cost of energy is a national and global issue, and a huge concern for everyone.”

Top pic: Crown Buildings, one of WCBC’s most recent refurbs that is now meant to be very energy efficient.