Peterborough City Council say an increase in council tax is needed to 'balance the books'
It comes after the council passed their budget for the 2025/26 financial year this week
Peterborough City Council say they plan to generate more money to improve services.
A plan for how the council will spend its £233m budget in the new financial year has been signed off by councillors.
At the Full Council meeting this week, twenty-one councillors voted for the 2025/26 budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy up to 2028, with 18 councillors voting against and 11 councillors abstaining from voting.
This included an increase to council tax of 4.99%.
The budget also includes savings of £23m, which they say is needed to meet high and rising levels of demand in areas such as Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Care and homelessness.
The proposal to close cafes in the Lido, Flag Fen, Vivacity Premier Fitness, and the Museum and Art Gallery, which are making losses, have also been paused pending work with the operator to achieve at least a break-even café offer so they can remain open.
No director can keep the Lido, the museums or anything in their back pocket
Peterborough City Council Leader, Dennis Jones, said:
"It's the duty of us as a council to provide a balanced budget and no director can keep the Lido, the museums or anything in their back pocket. They have to put it on the table."
"The fact is by putting council tax up that amount we won't be able to increase but we will be able to maintain most of the services we offer."
"Hopefully what we can do with the good settlement we've had from central government is maintain some of those services and look at way of generating income to improve some of those services."
In 2025/26 the council say they will be spending more money on care for the elderly and vulnerable and supporting children and families.
Growth and regeneration of the city will also remain a priority, aiming to attract more and better paid jobs for residents and put more money into the local economy.
This year’s budget setting process has been one of the most challenging on record
Councillor Mohammed Jamil, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Governance, said:
“This year’s budget setting process has been one of the most challenging on record, so I am delighted that we have now set a balanced budget for 2025/26."
"The hard work does not stop here; we now must deliver these savings in full and we are committed to doing so."
“We will continue to put all our efforts into managing our very difficult financial situation and that includes working with Government on a fairer funding model."
“Difficult decisions remain, as we look to continue delivering the services that our residents rely upon, but we are focussed on our priorities which are to help and support those who need our help the most and to deliver opportunities for all.”