Wirral Council receives £28M emergency funding to avoid immediate bankruptcy following a £40M budget shortfall.
The government agreed to give them money. They will get £20 million this year. Also, £7.5 million is planned for next year; other councils got funds too.
This funding covers a £20 million budget gap. Budget cuts of £25 million are still coming. These cuts start in April, and libraries could close. Birkenhead Town Hall may shut down, and job losses could occur at the council.
Council leader Paul Stuart will leave in May. He said asking for funds isn’t ideal, but welcomed the government’s help nonetheless.
Stuart stated Wirral’s issues are not mismanagement. He blamed the prior government’s financial decisions when requesting aid. The Labor government removed interest on the funding, which could save taxpayers £6 million.
The government gave extra spending money back in December. This, plus new funding, totals over £40 million. Funding will be offered in three-year cycles henceforth.
Stuart believes they can improve life quality and care for vulnerable people. He wants to support a thriving community, continue delivering services, protect assets, and boost Wirral’s economy.