Walsall Council Greenlights Maximum Tax Rise and £32 Million in Budget Reductions
In a decisive budget meeting held on February 26, 2026, Walsall Council members voted to implement a maximum council tax increase alongside substantial spending cuts totaling £32 million for the upcoming financial year. The session, which saw only 47 out of 60 councillors in attendance, featured heated debates over amendments but notably excluded discussion on the overall budget before the final vote.
Residents across Walsall will now face a 4.99 per cent rise in their council tax bills. This increase includes a two per cent precept specifically earmarked for adult social care costs, reflecting ongoing pressures in that sector.
Social Housing Proposal Narrowly Defeated Amidst Heated Exchange
One of the most contentious amendments came from Councillor Aftab Nawaz, leader of the Walsall Community Independents. He proposed allocating £5 million from the capital budget to revive the council's role as a social housing landlord, arguing that large Registered Social Landlords have failed to address the borough's significant housing backlog.
"Council housing in my opinion is essential for the people of Walsall," Councillor Nawaz stated. "Can we rely on big Registered Social Landlords? I don't think so. I think they've let us down because we've got such a big backlog. This amendment would use money from the capital budget to invest in council housing."
However, Council Leader Mike Bird strongly opposed the move, calling it a "retrograde step" and recalling the council's past struggles as a landlord. "We were the worst landlord in the world. We were paying out millions from Section 83 of the Housing Act," he remarked, referencing the large-scale voluntary transfer of housing stock to associations like Beechdale Housing Association.
Support for the amendment came from independent Councillor Peter Smith, who highlighted dire housing shortages in areas like Blakenhall, and Labour group leader Matt Ward, who emphasized the need for safe, secure homes. Despite this, the vote ultimately fell with 22 in favour and 26 against.
Fly-Tipping and Bereavement Service Amendments Gain Approval
Other amendments saw more success. Councillor Matt Ward's proposal to purchase a Hiab vehicle for fly-tipping removal, at a cost of £160,000 from the capital budget plus ongoing revenue expenses, was approved with cross-party support. "Fly-tipping is out of control. It undermines community pride and sends a message that nobody is in charge," Councillor Ward argued, noting that current delays due to limited equipment incur further costs.
Additionally, an amendment from Councillor Nawaz to extend Sunday opening hours for bereavement services—aligning them with Saturday hours—passed with backing from both Labour and Conservative groups. The change, costing £4,910, aims to reduce bureaucracy for grieving families. "Increasing just a few hours opening on a weekend will make a huge difference to our residents," said Councillor Izzy Hussain.
Rejected and Withdrawn Proposals
Not all amendments fared well. Councillor Ward's plan to create six full-time town centre manager posts across Walsall's key areas was rejected after criticism from Councillor Smith, who labeled it "absolutely pathetic" and predicted inefficiency. Similarly, proposals to reduce out-of-hours burial fees and invest in youth services were withdrawn due to technical errors and funding uncertainties.
In a final vote on the budget, with no debate permitted, 45 councillors supported the measures, one voted against, and one abstained. Council Leader Bird defended the process, stating that amendments addressed the only disputed items, thus making broader discussion unnecessary.
