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Car parking charges, increased market stall rents, slashing library budgets and raising council tax are all being considered as part of an £8.2M cuts plan. This comes after a new report was put before Bolton Council set out how to slash budgets up to 2027 as part of a scheme to make £30M worth of cuts over the next four years.
A consultation that will go before the public next month sets out how this could hit services from gritting to adult social care services, while also proposing charging for car parking at parks and reviewing burial costs. Council leader Cllr Nick Peel said: “These are challenging times for council funding, but we have a legal duty to balance the council’s budget, and we are determined to maintain our sound financial footing. “We will always look to do this through improved efficiencies and with the minimum impact on vital services.
Bolton Council will be making cuts worth £8.2M (Image: PA) “We hope that future government settlements will give us more financial certainty, but the truth is that difficult decisions will have still to be made.” The report comes just months after a review by the independent LGA Corporate Peer Challenge group found Bolton is in a stronger financial position than many other councils.
But town hall says they are still facing huge challenges because of uncertain funding, rising costs and increased demand. The report says that the council will need to spend £1,167M to provide services in 2025/26 and 2026/27 but that its income over this time will only be £1,142M, leaving a £25M shortfall. The council has proposed plugging this with £16.
8M from one-off reserves and the remaining £8.2M being made from cuts and savings. Options set out in the consultation document including bringing in £20,000 by bringing in charges on council car parks across the borough, including at parks.
Another in bringing in £16,000 by increasing rent and fees stall holders at Bolton Market are charged. The council is also proposing raising council tax by 4.99 per cent in 2025/26 and then by 4.
99 again in 2026/27, arguing that they will have to make further cuts still if tax does not rise. Another proposal is removing grit that residents are able to use, while continuing to grit main roads and “reviewing” vehicles in its fleet and its services to schools. The consultation also proposed “transferring” the responsibly for paying energy bills for people in emergency and temporary accommodation from the council to the residents themselves.
The council is considering reducing payments to organisations to put on local events by £25,000 and slashing the libraries budget by £100,000. But the document says they will aim to avoid any library closures. The council also says it will be “reviewing” cremation and burial costs while also looking to cut staffing costs.
A report put before the council said: “The impact of the cuts requirements is significant and therefore it is vitally important that the council and individual services have comprehensive and effective communication plans in place. ALSO READ: Council tax expected to rise as £30M worth of cuts loom in Bolton ALSO READ: Bolton faces funding gap of at least £7.4M with services 'at breaking point' ALSO READ: Bolton Council overspent by millions looking after children “Communications need to be with all stakeholders but in particular will include residents/businesses, staff, unions, all elected members, partner organisations and other stakeholders.
“Communication plans will operate at both an overall corporate level as well as at directorate and individual service levels. “Much of this communication will be informal, but it is also important that, where required, formal communication and consultations take place.” Bolton Council’s cabinet is set to meet to discuss the report on Monday December 2.
The consultation will be open to the public from December 3 to January 6..
