2026/27 budget consultation: Manchester people asked what they want the Council to invest in

Manchester people are being asked their priorities for investment in services in a consultation on the Council’s next budget launched today, Wednesday 10 December.

An improving financial position means that while still dealing with the legacy of austerity under the previous Government, in which Manchester was among the hardest hit places, the city can look to the future with confidence.

The Government is introducing fairer funding for councils which recognises that areas with more challenges need more money.

Although final details of the Council’s financial settlement will not be received until later this month, this means that it is anticipated there will more funding available than previously expected.

This in turn means that as well as protecting frontline services, the Council will have some scope to invest in making Manchester better – for example in improving street cleaning services, supporting youth services and community groups or extending library opening hours – building on the strong progress made in recent years.

Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said:

“After years of experiencing disproportionate cuts under the previous Government which meant we were asking residents for their priorities of which services to protect, we’re now in a position to ask them their priorities for which services to invest in. This marks a real sea change.

“Crucially, the fact that we will get a three-year financial settlement from Government rather than year-by-year settlements as has previously been the case also means we can plan ahead with real confidence.”

While extra funding will make a very real difference, the Council still has a duty to plan carefully and ensure its impacts are maximised.

Ongoing value for money and service transformation measures – things which make sense to do anyway - will reduce and avoid costs but crucially every pound saved will be reinvested in services.

Government funding calculations over a number of years assume that councils will increase Council Tax by 4.99% overall – a 2.99% general increase plus another 2 per cent to support adult social care. That’s what is being proposed, but it is recognised that times are tough for many people. There is extensive help available for anyone struggling with costs – both through our Council Tax Support scheme and an array of cost-of-living support.

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Finance, said:

“Things are looking up, but we have weathered austerity through careful management of our finances and this needs to continue as we move forwards.

“How we allocate budgets for our services has long been guided by what Manchester people have told us about their priorities for themselves, their families and friends, their neighbourhoods and their city.

“As we begin to build back, restoring some of the things which had to be cut previously and looking to the future, we need to hear people’s views again. These will shape the final package of proposals for 2026/27.”