Trafford faces backlash over a 7.49% council tax hike amid budget woes and political clashes. Residents voice concerns.
The Conservatives said Labour is hurting the town and pushing it toward bankruptcy. This stems from the new budget for 2025/26.
Labour asked the government for extra money, as their budget gap grew to £12.8 million. Rachel Reeves raising National Insurance also hurt the budget.
Trafford can raise council tax above the limit after getting permission from the government. The town will borrow £9.6 million, and repaying that loan will cost almost £1 million yearly for 20 years.
Green bin collection will cost extra, between £45 and £50 yearly. Allotment fees will rise by 33.5% in 2026, and other council fees will also increase, many by around 4%.
The Conservatives doubt Labour’s decision-making and don’t think the council prepared well. The debt interest is a worry for them.
Conservatives think Labour wastes money, having had seven years to fix things. Labour took control in 2018 but failed.
The National Insurance hike hurt Trafford, adding £3.5 million to their deficit. Conservatives wanted a public vote on tax, believing residents should have a voice.
Trafford has the fourth-highest tax hike in England. They are borrowing to pay for debt interest. Conservatives see no clear end to the problem, and the increased borrowing and fees are concerning as the town could face bankruptcy.
Labour defended their spending on key things such as libraries, children’s services, and roads. Adult social care also got highlighted. They attacked the Conservative party instead.
Labour claims Conservatives had the budget draft for months. They say the Conservatives’ budget plan was poor and challenge them to share it.
The Liberal Democrats also criticized Labour, saying services are declining despite tax hikes, which could hurt trust in the council. They blamed the government for the National Insurance increase.
Liberal Democrats want a national solution involving overhauling council funding and removing social care from local hands. They see failing roads, the state of pavements, and are calling out basic services.
The Green Party also had concerns, worrying about the £10 million borrowing, which will take twenty years to repay at £1 million each year.
The Green party sees rising council tax and the green bin fee. Reserves are going down, diminishing funding for other things. Potholes, blocked drains, and help for the homeless are suffering.
They worry about the risk of flooding and ask if the budget balances at all. They see a path toward potential bankruptcy and systemic funding issues.
Labour says their budget is £231.89 million for 2025/26. This is up from £217.99 million.
Labour acknowledges the tax increase impact, claiming it’s needed for a solid financial footing, helping rebuild finances and address deficits. Costs of children’s placements, adult social care, and homelessness rose, and the National Insurance changes added burdens.
The council approved a £308.62 million capital spending plan, which is over the next three years. £143.93 million is allocated for the next year.
This involves money for social care and investment in carbon-neutral efforts. The Carrington Relief Road will get funding, and leisure centers, sports facilities, and adult social care get more funding.