All the tax rises, cuts, and changes in Greater Manchester councils’ budgets

Greater Manchester residents are bracing for council tax hikes as budgets for 2026/27 are finalised. Manchester is set to raise its council tax by 4.99% despite a £94m boost from the government, while Trafford council will up its tax by 7.49% for the second consecutive year, needing a £20m loan to manage debts. Other councils, such as Bolton and Bury, opt for a 4.99% increase while addressing budget gaps with planned cuts, particularly in social care.

Salford and Stockport also propose a 4.99% tax increase, with Salford promising no cuts. Oldham plans a significant rise in service charges and a parallel council tax hike, as the council grapples with a £20m budget gap. Tameside aims to maintain services without cuts, but may still rely on reserves due to unmet savings goals. Wigan follows suit, suggesting a 4.99% rise amid plans for AI and efficiency measures to fill a £14m shortfall.

Overall, varying financial pressures lead councils to explore different strategies to balance their budgets, with tax rises looming large across the region.

Read the full article at Manchester Evening News