Leeds Council Faces £100 Million Savings Approval for Future

Leeds City Council needs to save money. They must cut £103.8 million by 2025/26. This may include job losses and higher council tax. The council is Labour-controlled, and they got £67 million extra from the government. This helped some vital services.

Demands are rising for child and adult care, and the council needs to find savings everywhere. The council will discuss budget plans soon. The meeting is on Wednesday, February 26th.

Inflation is making things cost more, and people have less money to spend now. Government funding after 2026 is uncertain. Inflation impacts the council’s money. The people’s needs also affect finances.

Council tax will likely jump 4.99 percent. A 1.99 percent part helps social care, called a “social care precept,” aids vulnerable people. Extra funding stopped a museum closure; Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall nearly closed.

The council planned to close thirty bowling greens, but they will keep them open until summer 2025. They will ask people about bowling greens again. They won’t cut money for Neighbourhood Networks now since these networks aid elderly people.

The council plans to review children’s centres, looking at 56 centres around Leeds. School-run centres might move to council control, a change that could save money. The council may cut jobs.

They are checking children’s transport, too. Community committees face review. The program investing in culture is also questioned. The council could make redundancies, and over 230 full-time jobs may go.

The council will require more cuts later. They will need more savings in two years. About £38.2 million is needed in 2026/27, and then, £30.1 million is needed in 2027/28.