Salford residents will see a council tax increase after the mayor warned of significant financial pressures and rising social care needs.
The council tax hike passed on February 26th. Band A households will pay £65 more annually, while Band D properties will see an increase of nearly £100. This excludes the Greater Manchester mayor’s additional charge.
Dennett stated the council had “no choice.” Austerity cuts reduced the budget by £245m over 14 years under past governments. Adult social care faces growing challenges, including an aging population and health issues. The pandemic also has long-term effects.
The council will spend £251m on key services. These are children’s services, adult social care, and health, representing 64% of the total budget. The mayor aims to protect vulnerable residents and plans to invest in services and infrastructure.
The budget offers extra support for kids. An extra £2m supports school transport, helping children with special needs. Another £500k aids families with SEND children.
Near £100m will fund major projects that will improve Salford’s roads and schools. It will also enhance different useful services.
Salford faces a serious housing crisis. Nearly 800 households live in temporary housing, including over 1,000 children. This problem cost the council £10m last year. The mayor plans to build council homes to help solve this issue.
Government funding gave the council assistance. Salford received £9m via a recovery grant and nearly £5m for building new homes. Homelessness support totaled almost £6.5m.
The council used £6.2m from its reserves anyway. These reserves act as “rainy day” funds and helped balance the books.
Conservative leader Robin Garrido suggested budget changes. He claimed these changes would negate tax hikes.
The Conservatives wanted to sell property, including the Civic Centre and the stadium, to generate cash. They also wanted to spend £1.25m on youth centers, improve street cleaning, and protect open spaces.
Garrido said residents struggle more now and blamed Labour’s fuel payment cuts. He cited employer NI increases which could raise shop prices. The council voted down the Conservative plans and backed Mr. Dennett’s budget instead.
The Unwhipped group suggested different changes. These changes were also rejected. They wanted to fund new CCTV cameras and reallocate funds to help community projects and improve city highways.
Lib Dem leader Paul Heilbron seeks more CCTV, stating this makes communities safer. Most councillors rejected these plans too.
Labour’s Barbara Bentham wants strategic camera investment and says it needs to focus on high-need areas.
Mr. Dennett seeks more work on CCTV proposals. He wants input from housing firms and police.
Here are the council tax increases per band, including the Greater Manchester mayor precept: Band A minus is £70, Band A is £85, Band B is £99, Band C is £113, Band D is £127, Band E is £155, Band F is £184, Band G is £212, Band H is £255.