Leeds City Council approves £100 million savings plan, including a 4.99% council tax increase, to balance 2025-2026 budget.
The council aims to cut expenses by April 2026. Job cuts and building sales are possible. They will review 56 children’s centers to save money. Council tax will increase by 4.99%.
The council leader said they must balance the budget. Failing to do so removes their decision-making power. Rising social care costs put pressure on the budget.
The council avoided closing Abbey House Museum and also avoided cutting funds for elderly support. Central government gave Leeds an extra £67 million. Leaders said council finances will improve a bit.
The council will close the Leeds Child Bereavement Support Service. They won’t renew their contract with one charity. Other charities still offer similar services.
Opposition councillors offered 60+ budget changes. One idea was to remove park parking fees, and another suggested outsourcing services. These ideas failed in the vote.
One councillor said the council is too large. Services seem to struggle, and roads are in bad shape. People feel they pay more but get less.
The council will lose over 230 jobs, mostly through voluntary redundancy.