Lowest tax rates confirmed as Wigan Council's 2026/27 budget is given green light

Wigan borough residents will again be paying the lowest council tax rates in the region as the council’s financial plans were confirmed at the meeting of the full council on Wednesday.

The 2026/27 budget, approved on Wednesday, included investment in key areas such as social care, waste and recycling, and providing affordable homes, plus the extension of a flagship apprenticeship scheme.

The meeting also heard that support for residents through the Here for You cost-of-living campaign has now surpassed the £16m mark.

The Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, unveiled three new recipients of Believe Stars: chart-topping bands The Lathums and Lottery Winners, and charity fund-raiser Mike Sharkey.

Introducing the budget in the council chamber, Councillor Molyneux said: “We are looking to the future with renewed optimism with a government that understands the needs of local government.

“We will continue to deliver on the priorities set out by our Progress with Unity new era plans and I’m confident that 2026/27 will be another successful year for our borough.

“Once again our council tax will be the lowest in the North West and one of the lowest of all metropolitan authorities in the country.”

The budget includes a 2.99% rise in general council tax and a further 2% due to the government’s adult social care precept.

Free town centre weekend parking in Wigan and Leigh town centres has been extended for another year Councillor Molyneux added.

During the meeting, each cabinet member outlined their plans for the upcoming year, including:

• Continued investment and delivery of social housing
• Ongoing financial support and investment to address ongoing pressures in adult and children’s social care
• Transformation plans for several borough schools
• Investment in waste and recycling services, including no charges for green waste bins
• The continuation of leisure centre refurbishment programmes and support for arts and cultural schemes.

Addressing the council chamber on Wednesday, Councillor Nazia Rehman, cabinet portfolio holder for finances, resources and transformation, said: “At a time when councils across the country are under extreme financial pressure, we have worked tirelessly to protect the services at the heart of daily life. This council remains committed to value for money and protecting the frontline.

“This budget is a balanced, stable and prudent budget with the lowest council tax in Greater Manchester, which eases pressure on household budgets while protecting key services aligned with our Progress with Unity priorities.

“Despite the pressures, we have delivered a budget that protects essential services, invests in our communities, supports vulnerable residents, builds safer and greener neighbourhoods and drives regeneration and economic renewal.

“And we have done so without compromising our financial stability. This is responsible leadership – leadership that puts people first.”

To view the 2026/27 financial plan in full, visit Agenda for Council on Wednesday, 4th March, 2026, 6.00 pm