With local elections just days away, every political group in Walsall has outlined its position on key issues, including council tax increases and over £120 million in regeneration funding. Residents in Walsall currently pay the highest council tax among all seven local authorities in the West Midlands region.
For the past three years, Walsall Council has approved a 4.99 per cent annual increase in council tax. The budget approved in February 2026 projects further yearly increases of 4.99 per cent over the next three years. Ratepayers in average Band D properties in Walsall face a bill of £2,627.48 for 2026/27, compared to £2,145 in Dudley, the lowest in the region.
Regeneration Funding
Several areas across the borough are set to benefit from over £120 million in government funding. Bloxwich and Walsall have each been awarded £21.3 million, while £20 million has been allocated to Willenhall, Darlaston, Blakenall, and Brownhills. Walsall town centre is undergoing a major regeneration program involving the demolition of two large buildings to create a town centre plaza. In Bloxwich, the former Post Office has been transformed into a digital skills hub, and King George V Playing Fields is undergoing a major refurbishment. In Willenhall, funding supports a housing scheme where around a dozen derelict factories are being demolished to make way for 109 homes. Plans for Darlaston, Blakenall, and Brownhills are yet to be finalized.
Candidate Stances on Council Tax Increases
Advance: Opposes unnecessary increases, prioritizing cutting waste and improving efficiency while protecting frontline services.
Conservatives: Notes the three-year budget approved by the Council anticipates a 4.99 per cent year-on-year increase.
Green Party: Highlights residents paying more while getting less due to austerity. Proposes keeping Walsall's money in Walsall by prioritizing local suppliers and shifting spending to frontline priorities like housing enforcement and youth services.
Labour: Aims to keep increases as low as possible while protecting frontline services and ensuring more council spending supports local jobs and growth.
Liberal Democrats: Would not raise council tax if they had a say, instead pushing for increased central government funding to maintain or improve services.
Reform UK: Notes Reform councils have delivered an average 3.94% increase compared to Walsall's 4.99%. Would review finances and cut waste before setting council tax levels.
Walsall Community Independents: Would limit rises to the social care element only and increase the budget for council tax relief to help those in need.
Candidate Stances on Regeneration Funding
Advance UK: Supports regeneration but insists on tangible outcomes, visible improvements, and accountability for how funds are spent.
Conservatives: Welcomes funding as an opportunity to breathe life into areas and encourage growth and employment.
Green Party: Criticizes funding going to external contractors, calling for investment that supports local jobs, apprenticeships, and businesses.
Labour: Commits to ensuring all parts of the borough benefit, reintroducing Town and District Centre Managers within six months, and delivering tailored improvement plans. Insists that Pride in Place boards be genuinely resident-led.
Liberal Democrats: Wants regeneration funding spent in line with Marmot principles to ensure the most deprived areas get the biggest shares.
Reform UK: Criticizes the Darlaston Board as undemocratic and non-transparent. Would audit spending and hold democratic elections for board members to ensure resident control.
Walsall Community Independents: Believes residents should decide how money is spent, with council officers acting as facilitators, not dictators.
