Leeds Council Approves £104 Million Savings Amid Budget Pressures

Leeds needs to save money. The council approved big spending cuts that will total almost £104 million. This must happen by next year’s end, and they spoke about job losses at a meeting. Selling buildings was also discussed.

The council will review children’s centers, focusing on fifty-six of them. Council tax will likely rise too, potentially going up by 4.99 percent. The council leader stressed balanced budgets, noting councils lose decision power otherwise.

Looking after vulnerable kids and adult social care expenses are up. These rising costs create major financial pressure. The council leader spoke about this issue, highlighting the situation it creates.

The council considered closing a museum and reductions for elderly support. They also planned to cut neighborhood network funds. However, government funding of £67 million changed things, helping avoid those cuts.

The deputy council leader showed optimism, suggesting the council’s finances might improve. The government gave them more funds, and they now expect more government money.

The Child Bereavement Support Service will close, ending their contract with a charity. Other local charities will keep helping families, supporting kids and parents.

Opposition councillors offered changes, with over sixty proposals submitted. The council rejected scrapping park parking fees, and outsourcing services was another rejected idea.

A Conservative councillor criticized the council, arguing it is too big and bossy. He said services struggle, and roads are bad, adding that people pay more but get less.

The council expects over 230 job losses. Most job losses will be voluntary, allowing people to volunteer to leave their jobs.