Liverpool City Council’s budget for the upcoming year has received approval from councillors. The budget will see an additional £15.3 million allocated towards frontline services for residents. A particular emphasis will be placed on neighbourhood services, with an extra £1.5 million designated to address issues like flytipping, street cleansing, and blight. Efforts to enhance street cleansing and weeding have already shown progress, with a 25% decrease in complaints over the past year.
Several initiatives are included in the budget to continue these improvements, such as regular maintenance, litter picking, and cleansing at 58 new locations. Additional litter collection will target areas like Kirkdale, Anfield, Picton, and Dingle. Furthermore, the School Streets program will receive £500k to enhance road safety around primary schools. In response to the rising demand for adult and children’s social care, temporary housing, and home-to-school transport, an additional £52 million has been set aside.
Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, expressed optimism about the budget, attributing it to increased certainty from the government regarding future multi-year settlements and funding allocations for cities such as Liverpool. The investment in services like street cleansing, waste management, and recycling reflects the council’s commitment to addressing community concerns. Deputy Council Leader, Councillor Ruth Bennett, highlighted efforts to improve financial management, boost income, and effectively manage demand pressures, particularly in social care.
As part of the budget plan, Council Tax bills are set to increase by 4.99%, with two percent earmarked for adult social care. The majority of Liverpool households reside in Band A properties, with the council services component of their bill rising by £84.04 annually. Overall, the approved budget underscores the council’s dedication to prioritizing essential services and investing in the well-being of residents
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