Budget approved at Full Council today

Monday, March 03, 2025

Wakefield Council’s budget for 2025-26 has today been approved at a Budget meeting of the Full Council.

The budget sets out how Wakefield is taking responsible decisions so that the Council can protect frontline services that residents rely on, at the same time as having a sustainable future.

“This budget is underpinned by what our residents want. That’s why we are protecting our frontline services and focusing on delivering our essential services well.

“This includes maintaining our roads and emptying our bins. Supporting stronger, safer communities and great high streets. Improving our local parks and green spaces. Caring for our most vulnerable residents. And giving our young people the best possible start in life.

“We’ve taken responsible decisions to build a positive, long-term future for our district.”

Cllr Denise Jeffery

Leader of Wakefield Council

The Council will tackle a £39.4m budget challenge though savings and efficiencies totalling over £29m, including:

Saving £3.8 million through use of technology and digital transformation
Changing organisational and business support services to save £2.4 million
Saving £2.0 million with a review of property and facilities management arrangements
Saving £2.5 million by improving commissioning and contract management
Saving £3.9 million by changing the way some adult social care services work, maximising the independence of people receiving care
Saving over £1.0 million by reducing the use of hotels for homelessness provision
Reducing costly external placements in children’s social care, saving £1.4 million by having more in-house provision
Raising £1.9 million by increasing some fees and charges

The Council will generate £1.2m from additional income from housing and business growth. As well as an additional £9.1 million by increasing Council Tax by 4.99%, adding £1.65 per week for Band D households and £1.10 per week for a Band A property.

“This budget will allow us to be more sustainable in the long-term. As well as leaving Wakefield with what is likely to be the lowest Council Tax in West Yorkshire.

“The work doesn’t stop now our budget is approved. We’ll be continuing to get the best possible value for money in everything we do by working hard to be more efficient and modernise how we work.”

Cllr Jack Hemingway

Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council

Today’s Council meeting can be watched again at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLilikhJ0zt33wfgyLBMSDsJFCrlENFpbp