Council tax in Blackpool could rise nearly 5% amid £8.6 million in planned budget cuts. Vote next week.
If it passes, the average Band D home pays £2,025 yearly. That’s just for council services, mind you. Police and fire service costs are extra on top. They’re aiming for £218 million in service spending for 2025/26.
Blackpool got £17.7 million more from the government, but about £1.65 million covers rising national insurance costs. Still, it’s not enough to cover all the expenses. The cost is about £5.9 million, including £1.1 million for things like the Winter Gardens. That leaves a £4.2 million hole needing to be filled.
They’ll save £3.7 million from adult services and found ways to lower home care costs by helping people live independently. Children’s Services will save almost £2 million because the NHS is paying more for kids with special needs.
Even with cuts, they’re trying to protect essential services. Libraries and leisure centers are safe, and they want to safeguard services for vulnerable people. Council says they’re prioritizing needs over saving money.
They hope to boost their reserves back up to £7.1 million as it fell to only £33,000 before. The different council tax bands’ costs are: A £1,350, B £1,575, C £1,800, D £2,025, E £2,475, F £2,925, G £3,375, H £4,050.