Bradford Council seeks £127M for 2025/26 by selling assets. Council Tax may rise. Gov’t aiding many councils facing financial issues.
Bradford Council is selling things, aiming for over £100 million to balance their budget. Council Tax might rise by 9.99 percent next month, coinciding with the release of the 2025/26 budget.
The government helped Bradford last year, potentially preventing bankruptcy. The Council can borrow to balance things, an action not typically allowed, as selling assets usually funds new projects.
In September, Bradford requested government help, needing about £126 million for 2025/26. The government noted that other councils also receive help, and the need for support has increased since 2020.
The government cut a borrowing fee, specifically one percent from a loan board. Councils are now restricted from selling community or heritage assets. Officials will now collaborate with councils to improve their financial management.
Minister Jim McMahon acknowledged the financial challenges faced by councils. He promised to help them get back on track, as the government aims to improve public services and achieve economic stability.
Increased financial aid is only provided in special cases. Many councils are receiving this help, including Barnet (£55.7 million), Birmingham (£180 million), and Bradford (£127.1 million). Cheshire East is receiving £25.3 million.
Croydon receives £136 million, while Cumberland gets £23.439 million. Eastbourne and Enfield get £2 million and £10 million, respectively. Halton is allocated £32 million, Haringey gets £37 million, and Havering receives £88 million.
Lambeth is allocated £40 million for housing, and Medway receives £18.484 million. Newham gets £51.2 million, while Nottingham is allocated £25 million. Shropshire receives £26.9 million and Slough gets £15.709 million.
Solihull is set to receive £32.658 million, and Somerset gets £63 million. Southampton is allocated £89.9 million, and Stoke-on-Trent gets £16.8 million. Swindon is to receive £14.7 million, while Thurrock is allocated £72 million.
Trafford gets £9.6 million and West Berkshire receives £3 million. Windsor & Maidenhead is allocated £41 million, and Wirral receives £7.5 million. Woking is set to receive £74.6 million, Worcestershire gets £33.6 million, and Worthing receives £2 million.