New administration marks 100 days of delivering change
Thursday, August 27, 2026
As Wakefield’s new administration marks its first 100 days, Council Leader Cllr Karl Johnson has updated residents on how ‘we’re delivering real change which makes a difference to your daily life’.
The new Wakefield Cabinet have hit the ground running since taking control of the Council in May. Already taking practical actions and improvements aimed at putting local people first.
"People voted for change in May and we've wasted no time getting to work. The last 100 days have been about listening to our residents. Getting under the bonnet of how the Council works. And seeing where improvements are needed.
“We’re taking real, practical action that delivers an actual difference to people. Spending money wisely, cutting waste, and improving our communities.
“We know there’s lots more to do. But we hope you’re starting to see a positive impact on things like cleaning up our city centre and smartening up our roads. We’re doing things properly rather than papering over the cracks.
“We’re also continuing to make good on the promises we’ve made. Reviewing the regeneration plans for the city centre and asking you to shape our future so that plans are based on what people want and what our local economy needs.
“We're determined to keep this momentum going and make a positive difference to the lives of everyone in our district.”
Cllr Karl Johnson
Leader of Wakefield Council
The new administration has focused on getting the basics right, improving neighbourhoods, investing in roads, supporting local growth, and making sure public money is spent where it can make the biggest difference.
Key achievements in the first 100 days include:
Setting out ten priorities focused on delivering practical improvements.
Saving £1.3 million by revising the school uniform support scheme while protecting support for families on free school meals and those facing hardship.
Doubling the budget for road markings and launching targeted action to tackle overgrown grass and weeds.
Trialling new technology to improve road investment efficiency.
Launching the Council's resident Q&A, giving people a direct opportunity to put questions to the Leader and Deputy Leader.
Carrying out a ‘Summer of Action’ to improve the cleanliness, safety and appearance of Wakefield city centre.
Bringing regeneration specialist Muse on board to help accelerate the transformation of Castleford town centre.
Launching a new Economic Growth Plan to attract investment, support businesses and create opportunities for local people.
Undeclaring the ‘climate emergency’ and focus on tangible local action that can genuinely be influenced instead. Including improving energy efficiency, supporting residents with the cost of living, and focusing on community resilience.
Introducing free swim sessions for young people aged 16 to 24.
Cllr Johnson added: "This is just the beginning. Over the next few months, we'll be driving forward our budget efficiency programme to make sure every pound of taxpayers' money is being spent wisely and is focused on your priorities.
“We’ll be building on the success of our Summer of Action by taking that approach out to our towns. Making them clean, safe, and welcoming places to visit.
"And we've already started asking people what they want to see for the future of Wakefield city centre. Next, we'll be having those same conversations in Castleford as we develop a new vision for the town.
"We're determined to keep delivering the change people voted for. Making our district an even better place to live, work and invest."
Wach the video at 100 days of delivering change for Wakefield District