Multi-million pound investments in Trafford’s roads, town centres, parks, leisure centres, schools and social care have been approved by councillors.
These measures were agreed as part of a budget which aims make the borough a better place to live and work.
Trafford Council’s budget for the next financial year also includes increased spending on its key aims of raising people out of poverty, tackling health inequalities and addressing the climate crisis.
The investments are part of an overall revenue budget spend of £209.38m in Trafford and a £91m capital investment programme.
New Council Leader Tom Ross, who has retained his Finance portfolio, promised the budget will protect and improve vital services for residents and businesses.
Cllr Ross, said: “It is my deep-held belief that local government is a significant force for good in the local community and this administration remains committed to making a positive difference each and every day to people’s lives.
“A lot of hard work as gone into setting this budget. We have had to deal with the cost of inflation and close a £25m budget gap – so I am particularly pleased that this budget helps set up Trafford for a bright and exciting future and I’m proud of the part we’ve all played to deliver it.
“There are still financial pressures that will face us in the coming years but we will continue to be prudent and protect our vulnerable residents.
“We will continue to invest in the people of our borough to make Trafford a borough where all our residents, businesses and communities prosper.”
The budget sees a rise in council tax of 2.99% and an additional 2% in the Adult Social Care Precept. The Council is also planning to make savings and increase income by £11.7m to meet the budget gap.
School funding is boosted by a further £14m to help meet extra school needs.
The budget also includes a further £8.8m for social care and £11.8m for highways. There is £13.6m to continue the Council’s town centre regeneration plans. The Council’s priority to reduce health inequalities is being boosted by £16.3m to continue the modernisation of leisure centres, and an extra £500,000 for the borough’s parks and green spaces.
Extra funding is also being provided to accelerate the Council’s aim of being carbon-neutral by 2038.
Posted on Monday 20th February 2023