Budget 2023/24: Trafford says it must increase council tax by 2.99% as it aims to “deliver a better and brighter future”

Trafford Council is proposing to increase council tax by 2.99% in order to meet a budget gap next year. 

Trafford Town Hall (© Parrot of Doom)

The local authority has revealed its budget for the 2023/24 financial year and includes “multi-million-pound investments” levels of new investment in schools, roads, social care and other infrastructure.

But it says it must act to close the budget gap of £25m – otherwise services will be impacted.

The council tax increase comprises a 2.99% rise in the basic amount and a further 2% increase for the adult social care precept.

That would see the council tax for a typical Band D property rise from £1784.26 to £1819.95.

Overall, Trafford is planning to spend £209.38m in Trafford and a £92m capital investment programme. The budget includes £11.8m for highways, £13.6m to continue the Council’s town centre regeneration plans, £16.3m to continue the modernisation of leisure centres and an extra £500,000 for the borough’s parks and green spaces.

School funding is also boosted by a further £14m to help meet extra school needs.

New Council Leader Tom Ross, who has retained his Finance portfolio, promised the budget will protect and improve vital services for residents and businesses.

Cllr Ross said: “This is a budget that will deliver a better and brighter future for Trafford.

“The cost-of-living crisis is causing misery for thousands of our most vulnerable residents. That is why I am delighted that we will extend our council tax support scheme to help 13,400 people on low income. We will also spend £3.2m so children on free school meals can still be fed during the school holidays.

“A lot of hard work has gone into setting this budget. We have had to deal with the cost of inflation and close a £25m budget gap – so I am particularly pleased we are still able to do so much to help build better futures for the people who live and work in Trafford.

“That said, as with other councils in a similar position to us, we will continue to campaign for a fairer deal on funding from central government for council taxpayers in Trafford.”

Cllr Ross said: “A failure to invest in health activities just stores up trouble for later. Instead, we are spending more now to support people’s fitter lifestyles, which will also help to protect our NHS.”

Extra funding is also being provided to accelerate the Council’s aim of being carbon-neutral by 2038.

Cllr Ross said: “We can’t just offload our problems for future generations to handle. We will continue to work with business partners to deliver a borough that’s fit for people of all ages.

He added: “There are still budget pressures in the coming years but we will continue to be prudent and protect our vulnerable residents.

“We will continue to invest in the people of our borough to make Trafford a borough where all our residents, businesses and communities prosper.”

The proposals will be discussed at a full meeting of the Council on Wednesday 15th February.