Liverpool Council Faces £32 Million Savings Target to Balance Budget

Liverpool Council needs to save money. They want to save over £30 million next year. The goal? To have a balanced budget. Councillors will talk about this budget next month.

They are in the final year of a plan aiming to cut £85 million. Homelessness and social care costs are high. The council might raise council tax by 4.99%, the highest amount possible.

The council must save £32 million by 2026. Documents show how they plan to do this, and these documents await review by a committee focused on finance.

For 2025/26, they need £17.6 million in savings. Another £15.2 million carries over from this year due to delays in reaching savings goals.

Ian Williams, the chief finance officer, said most savings build on previous plans. Work to achieve them is already underway. If problems arise, they will find solutions within the relevant departments.

The neighborhoods and housing department will save £6 million. The children and young people’s directorate will save £5.6 million. Adult services and health will save £4.2 million.

A council tax rise could bring in £11 million if approved next month. It’s the third year tax rates might rise to 5%.

Mr. Williams said future choices exist about council tax, pending government policy direction. Maximum tax increases might still not be enough, so more savings will likely be needed.

The council aims for £10 million in efficiency savings to streamline services. Council teams will find and deliver these efficiencies, ensuring services do not suffer.