Warrington Borough Council aims to save £5m through a property review as part of broader budget cuts.
Council tax in Warrington will rise by 4.98 percent total. This includes a social care portion of 2 percent.
The council’s budget is £208.045 million and the Labour council needs to make cuts. They plan to save £30.4 million in total. The council has found ways to save money.
They plan savings from loans and investments, which should save £6,416,000 in 2025-26. They will reduce subscriptions, saving £25,000. Corporate subscriptions get cancelled, also saving £25,000. Cutting energy costs will save £2 million and a property review will save £5 million.
A council spokesman talked about subscriptions, clarifying that these cuts relate to organizations and don’t relate to newspapers or magazines.
The council was asked about property sales and whether they would sell properties to save £5 million. The spokesman said they review properties often, but have no plans to sell anything now.
Someone asked how they would cut energy costs. The spokesman said costs are already falling, and they negotiate rates through government programs. They also produce their own energy, which helps reduce energy costs.
The spokesman explained loan and investment savings, noting that interest rates are starting to decrease now. The council reduces its debt level, too, and lower debt means interest savings are available.
Councils with social care duties have limits, and usually, they can raise council tax by 4.99 percent. They need a referendum for higher increases. The government let six councils raise taxes higher, and they don’t need a referendum for bigger tax hikes.
The council raised taxes by 4.98 percent, so why not go for the full 4.99 percent increase? The spokesman said they are cautious, consider referendum limits each year, and also factor in the cumulative effect.