Council Targets Budget Cuts: Scraps Walking Day, Closes Hatters Row, Raises Parking Fees
The council has laid out a budget plan facing significant scrutiny, sharing its proposals for managing a projected funding gap exceeding £130 million over four years. This plan will undergo review by a scrutiny committee on February 16 and receive further examination during the cabinet meeting on February 18. The budget-setting council is set for March 2.
Council Targets Budget Cuts
In order to bridge the funding gap, the council’s proposed cuts amount to nearly £40 million for the upcoming financial years. Below are notable initiatives included in this budget plan:
Proposed Budget Cuts
- Cease Warrington Walking Day
Expected Savings: £60,000 in 2026-27
Impact: Churches and schools will need to find alternative funding or opportunities for similar events. - Dim or Turn Off Street Lighting Overnight
Expected Savings: £120,000 in 2026-27
Impact: Lighting would be reduced by up to 50% at night, affecting both main and residential roads. - Review Cemeteries’ Opening Hours
Expected Savings: £28,000 in 2026-27
Impact: Potentially altered access arrangements for weekends and reduced hours. - Close Hatters Row
Expected Savings: £50,000 in 2027-28
Impact: Minimal, due to low occupancy. Plans to maintain an attractive facade while mothballing the area. - Charge for Parking at Time Square Multi-Storey Car Park on Sundays
Expected Savings: £37,000 in 2026-27 and £38,000 in 2027-28
Impact: Transition to a paid parking model on Sundays may affect residents’ parking behavior. - Introduce On-Street Parking Charges
Expected Savings: £30,000 in 2028-29 and £90,000 in 2029-30
Impact: Parking that is currently free will incur charges, influencing travel and parking decisions. - Complete Closure of Town Centre CCTV Control Room
Expected Savings: £226,000 over two years
Impact: Real-time monitoring will cease unless alternative funding is secured. Previous real-time support led to over 600 arrests.
Conclusion
The budget plan reflects the council’s efforts to address a significant financial challenge while weighing the impacts of potential savings on the community. Each proposed measure aims to optimize resources while maintaining essential services, albeit with varying degrees of impact on residents.
