Council sets budget that invests in Tameside’s future

TAMESIDE Council has set a balanced budget for 2025/26 that aims to invest in frontline services alongside making efficiencies.

An increase in the Local Government Finance Settlement of 9.4%, or £24million, if the maximum Council Tax increases are taken, has been welcomed by the Council. However, this does not undo 15 years of austerity and the more than £237million of budget cuts the Council has had to make.  

The Council is also still facing increased costs and demands, which continue to exceed funding levels, and investment is required in key areas.

As such, the meeting of Full Council on Tuesday 4 March approved the budget and agreed an overall 4.99% increase for the Tameside element of Council Tax, which includes a 2% adult social care precept, which is ring-fenced to adult social care. This Council Tax increase is required to help the Council invest in the services our residents tell us matter to them as well as those supporting vulnerable adults and young people who most need our help.

It means a typical band A property, which constitute the largest share of Tameside’s housing, will pay an extra £1.17 per week, with a typical band D property paying an extra £1.75 per week.

The Council’s annual gross budget of £714million delivers services such as Adult Social Care, Children’s Social Care, Education and Schools, Waste Collection, Streetscene and Green Spaces, alongside many, many more.

The budget includes additional investment for Public Health and frontline services such as road maintenance, street and town centre cleansing, and waste collection – areas that residents have made clear matter to them.

It supports the Council’s Growth Strategy, which is designed to increase housing supply and to boost the local economy in each town.

The budget also commits money to drive substantial improvements and better outcomes for Tameside’s most vulnerable residents, with the Council increasing its Crisis Fund by £500,000.

Savings and efficiencies are focused on identifying and meeting needs earlier and more effectively.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Finance and Resources, Councillor Hugh Roderick said: “Thanks to the Government increasing the Local Government Finance Settlement, we are in a stronger position to drive investments in services. I’m hopeful that this signals the reversal of the trend of 15 years of cuts to our income.

“While other local authorities have chosen to cut services such as road maintenance and waste collection further, we’re investing more because they’re important to our residents. We’re also investing in regenerating our town centres to stimulate growth and in core services such as Adults and Children’s social care.

“As demand on services continue to rise, we’re determined to deliver services in a more modern and efficient way while still improving outcomes. This is a forward-thinking budget that prioritises investment, puts money in people’s pockets, and unlocks the potential that we know exists within Tameside.”