£26.3 million cuts planned in Walsall next year - but smaller-than-usual rise in council tax

Cuts of £26.3 million are being proposed in Walsall Council’s budget for next year, although the council tax rise will be smaller than in recent years.

The authority faces a £10 million shortfall in its budget for 2027/28, with cuts still needed to balance the books.

The council is inviting people to have their say on its draft budget, which proposes a council tax rise of 3.99 per cent - lower than the 4.99 per cent rises which have been imposed for the previous three years.

Councillor Elaine Williams, leader of Walsall Council, stressed that the draft budget was only a proposal and that people’s opinions would be important in deciding how money was spent.

She said: “Setting our budget means making decisions that affect people’s everyday lives. Rising costs and increasing demand, particularly in adult social care and children’s services, continue to place significant pressure on the council’s finances. We must respond to these challenges while delivering value for money and meeting our responsibility to set a balanced budget.

“Although substantial savings have been delivered, difficult choices remain. We know household budgets are under pressure, and we intend to keep any council tax increase as low as reasonably possible, while maintaining the services that our residents rely on.

“A budget shortfall remains, and we have further work to do to develop a balanced budget.

“Before final decisions are made, we want to hear your views on our spending priorities, proposed savings and council tax.”

Councillor Williams urged people to consider how the proposals would affect them, and said she welcomed suggestions of alternative proposals.

The report sets out draft revenue budget proposals and a draft capital programme for the period 2027/28 to 2030/31.

Feedback from the consultation will be considered and an updated budget will be provided to the council’s cabinet in January.

The final budget will be presented to the cabinet on February 10 then to the full council on February 25.

The council said it would continue to press the Government for a fairer public health grant to reflect Walsall’s deprivation and health needs, support preventative services, help tackle health inequalities and reduce longer-term demand on services.

It would also lobby the Department for Education to fund deficits in budgets for children with special needs and disabilities, so these costs do not reduce the resources available for other council services.

To review the draft budget and proposals and complete the online survey, see walsall.gov.uk/budgethaveyoursay.

People can also take part in the consultation by emailing [email protected], phoning 01922 650000, or by writing to Budget Consultation, Walsall Council, Darwall Street, Walsall, WS1 1TP.