Wirral Council budget – what is it and what does it mean for you?
How is the content of the budget decided?
This year the budget process has included many workshops involving councillors (those elected by the public) and officers of the council who are employed to implement the council’s policies. This included cross‑party Budget Oversight Panels and a Budget Task & Finish Group to rigorously review all spending and assess options for making savings.
Who has the final say on the budget?
The proposed budget was considered by senior councillors, members of the Policy and Resources committee, who have recommended a balanced budget to be considered by the full council, which met on Monday March 2.
Current situation:
To legally balance the 2026/27 budget, the council has submitted a request for £6 million of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) to Government, which has received in principle agreement.
Exceptional Financial Support allows the council to use capital funding – including receipts from sales and borrowing – to cover the day-to-day costs of providing services in the coming year.
In agreeing to the EFS the Government said that the council will undergo an external assurance review that will include “an assessment of the council’s financial position and governance arrangements”.
What does the budget mean for you?
The budget for 2026-27 was considered by councillors at a meeting of the full council. There are a number of changes, and among these are:
- Increase in council tax bills of 4.99% in 2026-27. This represents a general increase of 2.99% plus a further 2% which is ringfenced for Adult Social Care.
(Final council tax bills will be known when the additional contribution Wirral Council must make towards the costs of Police & Crime Commissioner for Merseyside and the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority are known.)
- A revised Council Tax Reduction Scheme which will mean eligible people receive less direct support from the Council to pay their council tax bill.
- For the most vulnerable, there will be an enlarged hardship scheme to provide support for those struggling with these bills.
- Many fees charged by the council will rise by 3.8% – this increase is linked to the inflation (CPI) rate seen previously.
What else is the council doing to tackle the budget gap?
Making £10.7m in savings, efficiencies and income through operational improvements, policy updates, and service reviews.
Implementing stricter financial controls and strengthened governance across all parts of the council.
Rebasing budgets in Adult Social Care to align funding with levels of demand.
