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Walsall Council sets out its budget for 2025/26
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Walsall Council is adding its voice to calls on the Government to address funding for local authorities to enable councils to meet rising demand, particularly in social care.
Walsall Council spends two thirds of its services budget (£521 million) every year on children’s services and adult social care. The average cost of looking after a child in care in Walsall has increased to just under £2000 per week. The cost of adult social care placements and packages has risen this year to almost £120million as people live longer, many with complex care needs.
Rising demand is putting additional pressure on the Council’s budget as plans are outlined for the next financial year.
The Council is proposing to provide an extra £10 million for Children’s Services next year and it plans to spend £23.8 million more on adult social care to support the growth in demand.
Deputy Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Mark Statham insists the Government must provide more financial support.
“ The cost of children’s care placements in Walsall has gone up by 173% in just four years. The cost of the packages of support that we provide for vulnerable adults across the Borough has risen by 73%. This year 66 pence of every pound that this Council spends in Walsall is being spent on social care. This is not sustainable. It’s not just a Walsall problem, it is a national crisis that the Government needs to address. “
The Council is proposing a 2.99% general council tax increase and a further 2% precept for adult social care. The proposals are equivalent to an increase of 28 pence per day for an average band D property.
Since 2010 Walsall Council has delivered savings of £285 million which is equivalent to 37% of the Council’s annual gross expenditure.
The Council has been named the Most Improved Council in the country in recognition of the way it’s transformed services and improved outcomes for the people of Walsall.
Savings of £28.8million have been outlined in the draft budget proposals for 2025/26 which will be discussed at a meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 16 October.
Proposals include relocating Walsall Leather Museum from its current site into a new town centre location, reviewing town centre car parking charges and conducting a review of Walsall’s markets.
Before the budget is finalised for 2025/26 there will be a period of consultation for residents and businesses to have their say. The consultation period begins on 17 October and will run for six weeks.
ENDS
