GWENT'S councils are set to receive almost £800 million in core funding, after the Assembly announced it's provisional local government settlement for 2010/11.

Newport city council is in line to receive £196,974 million, an increase of 3.1 per cent from the £191,062 million allocated in 2009/10, the biggest increase in Wales, alongside Wrexham county borough council.

The funding represents £1,400 for every person living in the local authority area and politicians praised the allocation.

Newport East AM John Griffiths said the Assembly is investing across Wales to protect frontline services and it is now up to Newport council to sort its budget properly.

He added: “Beginning work on the new Hartridge school that they delayed, and keeping Lliswerry pool open, would be a good start.”

Newport East MP Jessica Morden hailed the settlement and said “yet again, the Assembly delivers for Newport.”

The allocation, announced yesterday, is to support provisions like education, social services, refuse collection and recycling.

Blaenau Gwent council will see last year's figure of £107,958 million to £109,593 million, an increase of 1.5 per cent.

Trish Law AM described the increase as "miserable" and said it was the smallest increase of any community in industrial South Wales.

She said: “The only thing that can be said about this miserable 1.5 per cent uplift is that it is roughly in line with inflation.”

Caerphilly council set to receive £254,083 million, which is a 2.3 per cent increase on the £248,483 million it received in 2009/10.

Caerphilly council leader Lindsay Whittle said despite “inescapable pressures” on its budget, the settlement should allow it to continue delivering its core services.

Monmouthshire’s settlement was 1.1 per cent more than last year at £98,904 million while Torfaen’s £129,087 million was 1.6 per cent more than it received in 2009/10.

Gwent councils' funding increase

Authority 2009/10 2010/11 % increase Blaenau Gwent 107,958 109,593 1.5% Caerphilly 248,483 254,083 2.3% Monmouthshire 97,790 98,904 1.1% Newport 191,062 196,974 3.1% Torfaen 129,087 131,169 1.6%