Warrington Council Tax Increase Approved
A council tax increase of 7.48 per cent for Warrington has been approved.
The budget was debated at the full council meeting at the Parr Hall on Monday evening.
This decision comes as the Labour-run authority faces a ‘critical’ financial position.
The Government has confirmed, in principle, that the council will be able to access £87.029 million of exceptional financial support this financial year, 2025-26, and £92.047 million in the next financial year, 2026-27, to assist with the council’s plans for ‘financial sustainability’.
Financial Support and Budget Gaps
Confirmation of this two-year package provides the council with the opportunity to ‘establish and deliver credible plans’ aimed at closing its overall £178.9 million budget gap by 2029-30.
The proposed cuts and savings identified by the council so far total nearly £40 million.
- Mothballing of Hatters Row
- Reductions to lollipop services
- Controversial CCTV proposals
The budget, which includes the council tax increase, was approved at the meeting with 40 councillors voting in favour and 17 against.
The 7.48 per cent council tax rise will take effect from April.
Concerns Over Trust and Spending
Cllr Denis Matthews, the council’s cabinet member for finance, stated that the council’s transformation programme will be ‘key’ to addressing the budget gap.
“We all know that people are concerned about the impact of an additional council tax increase,” he said. Cllr Matthews emphasized that the council has much work to do to ‘restore trust’ with communities, ensuring that this additional revenue will be spent ‘wisely’.
He reassured residents that the ‘vast majority’ of council tax will always be directed towards services that support local people.
Cllr Helen Speed, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group, expressed that ‘none of us want to see this council destabilised’. She noted that while everyone desires Warrington to recover and rebuild its finances, there is currently no ‘credible, detailed’ transformation program in place.
Community Sentiment and Accountability
She also cautioned that exceptional financial support ‘does not solve structural problems’, stating it ‘narrows our flexibility and increases long-term pressure’.
Cllr Stuart Mann, an independent councillor, remarked that the budget is not merely asking residents to pay more council tax, but also asking them to ‘pay more’ while often receiving less in return.
“The public mood across the borough is clear,” he added. “People want that responsibility acknowledged, transparency, and reassurance that the culture which led us here has genuinely changed.”
Government Intervention and Collective Responsibility
Cllr Rob Tynan, representing the Conservative group, criticized the Labour group, suggesting they ‘seem to think’ they should be trusted to navigate the council out of the ‘financial disaster’ they have caused.
Labour’s Cllr Nathan Sudworth, cabinet member for organisation, innovation, and co-operation, expressed regret that the council did not meet its ‘best value’ duty and acknowledged that governance and scrutiny were not as robust as they should have been.
However, he emphasized that this is not about ‘blaming’ one another, but rather about collective responsibility for the town and its residents.
Cllr Sudworth highlighted that despite the challenges, there are many opportunities ahead to ‘transform’ and ‘turn’ the council around.
Future Events and Community Engagement
In relation to the challenges ahead, Cllr Sue Emery, cabinet member for poverty, inequality, and protection, expressed her sorrow over the current situation but affirmed that the investments made by the council were intended to support residents.
She stated, “Bring it on, and let’s make Warrington great again.”
Ceasing Warrington Walking Day was among the council’s cost-cutting proposals. However, deputy council leader Cllr Jean Flaherty confirmed that a positive meeting about Warrington Walking Day took place, with provisional plans for an event in Bank Park this year to celebrate and commemorate the occasion.
Budget Challenges and Council Tax Implications
In a statement following the budget approval, Cllr Matthews remarked, “We face a big challenge to become financially sustainable, and this has been the hardest budget we’ve ever had to set.” He emphasized the need to reduce spending on services while also decreasing the council’s debt.
“Rising demands and costs for services supporting our young people, families, and older adults are putting pressure on our budget,” he added.
The council tax increase this year will adjust Warrington’s rate from below average compared to neighboring areas to one that is closer to the average rate, while also contributing to addressing financial challenges.
Council tax increases are typically capped at five per cent nationally, but the Government has allowed the council to increase council tax by an additional 2.5 per cent as part of its budget setting. This near 2.5 per cent increase will generate an additional £3.429 million for the council this financial year.
Cllr Matthews reassured residents that while the council tax increase will support the council in achieving financial sustainability, it will also significantly aid local people.
“We will continue to cut grass, fill potholes, and empty bins, but the majority of your council tax will always go towards services that support local residents,” he stated.
“Through your council tax, you will also be helping us support and protect around 2,400 vulnerable children and young people, care for more than 3,700 older individuals, and provide assistance to approximately 3,300 households at risk of homelessness.”
“While your council tax has risen more than usual this year, please be assured that the majority of your contributions will go towards helping the most vulnerable in our community.”
